The much-expected clash between the German national team and Italy ended anti-climatically as no goal was scored.
Both sides met for a rematch of their Euro 2016 quarterfinals in Milan on Tuesday, taking advantage of the international break. Germany had defeated their counterparts through a penalty shootout during the summer clash in Bordeaux. The game had ended 1-1 after regular time but the German machines won the shootout that followed.
In the game hosted by Italy, Germany threatened more in the first half but Italy showed their capabilities in the second half. However, both sides could not get the winner. The hosts played a three-man attack team in Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, Torino’s Andrea Belotti, and Eder. The trio troubled the German three-man defence composed of Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi, Mats Hummels and Benedikt Howedes.
Leon Goretzka started the game for the Germans but he lost a brilliant opportunity when he got behind the Italian defence as he could not get past Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon earned his 167th cap during the clash, equalling Iker Casillas’ record. The Juventus shot stopper is one of the most respected players in his almost two decades in professional football.
Daniele De Rossi found Immobile but the player wasted the effort, particularly for a player that was one of the highest goal scorers in the Serie A. Belotti wanted a penalty, but the referee waved it aside in the game that had almost 50,000 fans in attendance at the San Siro. Germany enjoyed more ball possession, playing 55:45 with the Italians. They picked up two yellow cards while their hosts did not receive even one despite committing more fouls. Off 15 shots, only three were on target for the Germans, while Italy has just two on target in ten attempts.