In This Article

  • Tense First Half and Early Goals
  • Italy Takes the Lead, Germany Equalizes
  • Italy Reduced to Nine Men, Germany Scores
  • Italy's Late Equalizer Sends Match to Extra Time
  • Germany's Dramatic Victory in Extra Time
  • Upcoming Semi-Finals

Key Takeaways

  • Germany defeated Italy 2-1 in a dramatic U21 Euro quarter-final with a 117th-minute winner from Merlin Rohl after extra time.
  • Italy played with nine men after red cards to Wilfried Gnonto (second yellow) and Mattia Zanotti but nearly forced penalties.
  • The match featured late drama with Germany's Nelson Weiper scoring in the 87th minute, only for Italy's Giuseppe Ambrosino to equalize via free-kick in stoppage time.
  • Germany advances to face France in the semi-finals on June 25, while England plays the Netherlands in the other semi-final.
  • This match is considered one of the most dramatic in U21 European Championship history due to its late goals and red cards.

In a nail-biting encounter at the European Under-21 Championship, Germany triumphed over Italy with a dramatic 117th-minute goal to secure their place in the semi-finals. The match, which went into extra time, saw Italy reduced to nine men, but they nearly held on for a penalty shootout before Merlin Rohl's decisive strike sealed the victory for Antonio di Salvo's side.

The game began with a tense first half, with neither team able to break the deadlock. Italy took the lead in the second half through Burnley winger Luca Koleosho, but Germany quickly responded with an equalizer from Nick Woltemade. The momentum shifted further when Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving Italy with ten men.

Germany capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Nelson Weiper heading in what appeared to be the winning goal just three minutes before the end of regulation time. However, Italy's hopes were reignited when Giuseppe Ambrosino scored a stunning free-kick in the dying moments, sending the match into extra time.

Italy's task became even more challenging when Mattia Zanotti received a red card, leaving them with just nine players. Despite their valiant defensive efforts, Rohl's powerful 20-yard strike in the 117th minute ended their resistance and secured Germany's place in the semi-finals.

Germany, who have won the tournament three times before, will now face France in the semi-finals on June 25, while England will take on the Netherlands in the other last-four clash on the same day. This thrilling match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the history of the U21 European Championship.

Tags:

#Football #Germany U21 #Italy U21 #European Championship #semi-finals