Germanyvs.Italy

As Die Mannschaft trailed 1-0 at San Siro, Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann switched to a three-man defence for the start of the second half, with Nico Schlotterbeck replacing David Raum, so it remains to be seen whether the hosts' head coach reverts to a back four.

Towering striker Tim Kleindienst was also introduced at the break, taking Jonathan Burkardt's place up front, and the Borussia Mönchengladbach striker could now be named in the starting lineup after scoring his side's equaliser in Milan.

Not only is Nagelsmann missing first-choice forwards Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz through injury this week, but Benjamin Henrichs, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are also sidelined.

So, options to rotate for the second leg are relatively limited: Schlotterbeck, midfield workhorse Robert Andrich and in-form attacker Karim Adeyemi front a queue for promotion to the starting XI.

Two Bayern Munich stars made major contributions in midweek, as Leon Goretzka scored on his first international appearance since November 2023, while captain Joshua Kimmich set up both goals while earning his 98th cap - more than any other player in the current squad.

Both should continue in their respective roles this weekend, when Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann is set to earn just his fourth senior cap at the age of 34, having excelled throughout the first leg.

Germany possible starting lineup: Baumann; Kimmich, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Mittelstadt; Goretzka, Gross; Sane, Musiala, Adeyemi; Kleindienst

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea