Using the logic of 2017: The most unlikely story of the crazy duel between Germany and Italy

SPOX Using the logic of 2017: The most unlikely story of the crazy duel between Germany and Italy Nino Duit • 3 hours • 4 minutes read Rarely has a football match seemed more intense than this 3-3 draw between Germany and Italy, dripping with stories and historical dimensions. Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala scored one of the most bizarre goals in DFB-Pokal history with a quickly taken corner, reminiscent of a famous Liverpool goal. In 2019, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Divock Origi tricked FC Barcelona in a similar fashion in the Champions League semifinals. The course of the game, meanwhile, evoked memories of the legendary 4-4 draw against Sweden in 2012, after a 4-0 lead at one point. Before the break, Germany played "the best half" of national coach Julian Nagelsmann's tenure against Italy. According to national coach Julian Nagelsmann, the score was 3-0. And then collapsed alarmingly. 3-3. Thanks to the 2-1 win in the first leg, the draw was just enough to advance to the Nations League Final Four, which will be played in Munich and Stuttgart in June. Portugal awaits in the semifinals. In a potential final against Spain, Germany could take revenge for its quarterfinal exit at the home European Championship and simultaneously win its first title since the 2017 Confederations Cup. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka excelled against Italy The winning team was led by the supposedly golden 95/96 generation. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka were considered their most influential figures. Kimmich earned his 20th cap (of 99) in the final against Chile and operated on the right wing. Goretzka, in his ninth (of 59), played as a central midfielder with attacking prowess. All this in a 3-4-3 formation, just like eight years later against Italy. Except that this time the two played a decisive role in the goals. Kimmich converted the penalty to make it 1-0, played in the brilliant corner to make it 2-0, and crossed to make it 3-0. Goretzka initiated the penalty and played a brilliant pass to Kimmich before the third goal. At one point, he whipped the crowd into action with a riot of gestures – and was celebrated for it. In Dortmund's Signal-Iduna-Park. As a native of Bochum, a former Schalke player, and a current Munich player, it was actually an impossibility. At the time of his substitution, Germany was comfortably leading 3-1. In the first leg in Milan, Goretzka had scored the winning goal to make it 2-1, and Nagelsmann subsequently named him "MVP of the Match." Kimmich had assisted both goals with crosses, thus being directly involved in all five goals against Italy. "I don't think there's another player in Europe who delivers such sharp and precise crosses from a standing start," praised Nagelsmann. In short: Kimmich and Goretzka were the architects of the team's progress against Italy. And in doing so, they probably wrote the most unlikely story of this unlikely exchange. After all, it wasn't long ago that they were still the nation's whipping boys. Hardly any other German footballers have had to endure more punishment than Kimmich and Goretzka since their last title win in 2017. Kimmich and Goretzka: Suddenly Faces of Failure After the Confederations Cup victory, they were considered destined leaders of the future. Kimmich pushed from right back into the center alongside Goretzka. Together they quickly celebrated shared success at FC Bayern, even winning the treble in 2020. Then their interaction in Munich began to falter, especially during the period under current national coach Nagelsmann. In the national team, the faces of the supposedly golden generation had long since turned into faces of failure. Elimination in the group stage at the 2018 World Cups in Russia and 2022 in Qatar, with a disappointing European Championship in between. Close to tears, Kimmich announced in Qatar: "I'm afraid of falling into a hole." As opinionated, articulate individuals, Kimmich and Goretzka generally polarize more than others. Their performances and statements cause major swings, both up and down. At some point, there was only one direction for both of them: down. Holding Six and COVID vaccination for Kimmich, political statements for Goretzka. Plus, sporting setbacks. Exactly one year ago, Nagelsmann dropped Goretzka from the national team and demoted Kimmich to right-back, or at least that's how it must have felt for him at first. How Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka fought their way back But both accepted their situation and refrained from public criticism. Which was obviously easier for Kimmich. Even if only on the sidelines, he was still allowed to play. At the home European Championship, Kimmich shone in his old, new role. Following the retirements of several veterans, Nagelsmann subsequently appointed him as the new captain. Kimmich's future at FC Bayern seemed unclear after the end of the championship run last summer and in view of his contract, which at the time only ran until 2025. Not quite as aggressively communicated as Goretzka's, he was indeed also considered a potential sale candidate. Both decided to stay – and they wouldn't regret it. Kimmich quickly became the undisputed midfield leader under new coach Vincent Kompany. After a charm offensive by sporting director Max Eberl, he recently extended his contract until 2029. Although Goretzka missed the squad several times at the start of the season, he then benefited from injury problems among his rivals and fought for a starting place. Thanks to adjusted positioning, a double six consisting of Kimmich and Goretzka suddenly worked under Kompany. Consequently, Goretzka returned to the national team. This was also possible because he didn't express any criticism after being dropped. "That was his smartest move," emphasized Nagelsmann. And suddenly, Kimmich and Goretzka dominate the German national team. Kimmich is undisputed as captain, and Goretzka seems to be a given after these two stellar performances. As logical as this situation seemed in 2017 with a view to 2025, it seems all the more unexpected now in 2025 given the developments since then.