Forget Bitter Memories of 2006, Germany Confident of Eliminating Italy in Nations League

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is hoping his side can make history when they take on Italy at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Monday morning (24 March) in a bid to book their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Nagelsmann stressed how important it was for his side to put the bitter memory of their 2006 World Cup defeat at the same venue behind them.

Germany suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the 2006 World Cup semi-final after Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero scored in extra time as Italy ran out 2-0 winners and progressed to the final.

Although Germany currently hold a 2-1 aggregate advantage after winning the first leg on Friday, Nagelsmann insisted they are determined to win the return leg.

Right now, the most important thing is the present.

In a pre-match press conference, Nagelsmann said: “I still remember 2006 and I am still not happy that Germany did not win. But for me it is more important to talk about the present, not the past. We want to make our own history,” Nagelsmann told the media on Saturday.

He added: “I’m not afraid of Italy’s speed. We are in a good mood, we are ready. We have the right solutions for tomorrow and the most important thing is to create chances… I hope we win,” he said.

German national team changes

Julian Nagelsmann has revealed that striker Jonathan Burkardt is unlikely to play due to his health.

“He will not train today and we will assess his physical condition tomorrow. There will be some changes in the line-up,” said the former Bayern Munich coach.

Burkardt started the first leg at the San Siro but was replaced at half-time by Tim Kleindienst, who scored within three minutes of coming on.

Leon Goretzka then doubled his side’s lead to turn things around after Italy had taken the lead in the first half. Nagelsmann also predicted that the match would be similar to the first leg.

“Yes, there will be tactical changes, but I am not going to reveal them now,” added the 37-year-old coach.

Source: Reuters