While Germany controlled possession early on, it was Italy who struck first with a beautifully crafted team move. Alessandro Bastoni’s cross-field pass found Nicolò Barella on the right, who then played Matteo Politano down the flank. Politano’s pull-back was deflected off Jonathan Tah and fell perfectly into the path of Sandro Tonali, who calmly swept the ball home from nine yards to give Italy the lead.
Germany quickly responded, with Leon Goretzka’s header narrowly missing the target, landing on the roof of the net, followed by his volley, which was easily saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Germany’s goalkeeper was tested by a powerful long-range shot from Tonali, which stung the hands of Baumann.
Moise Kean was presented with a golden opportunity shortly after, bursting past the offside trap thanks to a perfectly timed first-time ball from Politano. Kean’s shot was aimed at the top corner, but Baumann made a crucial save to keep the score level.
Nadiem Amiri’s pull-back from the by-line caused some chaos in Italy’s defense, but Germany equalized shortly after the break through substitute Tim Kleindienst. The striker was in the right place at the right time, heading in a perfect cross from Joshua Kimmich on the right.
Donnarumma had to act quickly to smother the ball at the feet of Kimmich, and Destiny Udogie’s header was blocked by Kimmich at the back post, as Germany continued to push forward.
Italy came close to regaining the lead with two huge chances in quick succession. First, Tonali’s audacious back-heel flick set up Kean, who volleyed just over the bar from a tricky angle. Then, Tonali teed up Giacomo Raspadori, whose angled drive was parried away by Baumann with his outstretched foot.
Germany almost went ahead with another dangerous header from Goretzka, but his attempt from a Kimmich cross went wide. The game took a dramatic turn when Raoul Bellanova’s poor decisions led to two giveaways, and from the resulting corner, Goretzka got in front of Bastoni to score with a glancing header past Donnarumma.
Baumann was called into action once more, making a sharp reaction save to deny a deflected Bastoni header from a corner. Shortly after, Baumann’s gloves were stung again by a powerful shot from Daniel Maldini, but he was able to keep his team in the lead.
