Germany dip ‘great for development’, says Nagelsmann

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said a second-half dip against Italy on Sunday, which could have cost a spot in the Nations League final four, may be “great for our development”.

Ahead 2-1 from the first leg, Germany were incredible in the first half as they took a three-goal lead into the break to lead 5-1 on aggregate.

Joshua Kimmich converted a 30th-minute penalty after Tim Kleindienst was fouled in the box. The Germany captain then laid on goals for Jamal Musiala, catching the Italians napping with a quickly-taken corner, and Kleindienst. 

Germany, however, were poor in the second half, allowing Italy to score three goals to level the match on the night before they secured a 5-4 aggregate win. 

Moise Kean scored a double and Giacomo Raspadori converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Italy a glimmer of hope. 

“A football game is never perfect, but it was some unbelievable football, and the best I’ve seen us play,” Nagelsmann told reporters. 

“In the second half it unfortunately shifted. We played too much freestyle, without reason. When you play like that and don’t have structure, then mistakes hurt a whole lot more.”

Nagelsmann said Germany “learned lessons which could be great for our development” from the game, adding “we know how well we can play football — but we have to show it throughout the game.” 

Germany will face Portugal in the semi-finals in June, with the remainder of the tournament to be held on German soil. 

Germany captain Kimmich said the first half was “very, very sexy to watch, but in the second half, we had everything in our hands”. 

“Then the momentum changed and we made too many mistakes — we still have a lot to learn,” he said.