To a new one! Germany’s national football team meets today (8.45 p.m., ZDF) for the second time in eleven days against reigning European champions Italy, who have ushered in an era of rejuvenation. Long-time captain and defender Giorgio Chiellini is no longer there but is still active: The 37-year-old has announced that he will continue his Major League Soccer career with Los Angeles FC. In Mönchengladbach others should close the back – for example Chiellini’s “twin”. That’s what Leonardo Bonucci is called.
The logical result would be 1-1 – that’s how the last four international matches with German participation ended, including the first showdown with the Squadra Azzurra in the Nations League in Bologna.
But that does not meet the high demands of the team of DFB national coach Hansi Flick. “I just don’t think it’s a good thing because I want to win,” said the 57-year-old. Star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sees it similarly: “We’ve seen good and bad sides. We can’t bury our heads in the sand now. We have to do everything we can to end the season superbly.”
That’s easier said than done, because the record speaks for the Italians, who are unbeaten in the current competition, with 15 wins, eight defeats and 13 draws.
Source: Nachrichten
