The Italy U21 side has an opportunity to make it to the semi-final of the U21 European Championships, but must first get past Germany, the only nation with a 100% win record in the tournament thus far.
Italy finished second behind Spain on goals scored in Group B, with both tems finishing level on points and goal difference (on seven and +2 respectively).
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The Azzurrini have picked up 1-0 wins over both Romania and hosts Slovakia, and drew 1-1 with Spain in their final match of the group stage, setting up a quarter-final tie with Germany. Tommaso Baldanzi, Cesare Casadei and Nicolo Pisilli have provided the Italy goals in the tournament thus far.
BOLZEN, ITALY – OCTOBER 17: Tommaso Baldanzi celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA U21 EURO Qualifier match between against Norway at Stadio Druso on October 17, 2023 in Bolzen. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Head coach Carmine Nunziata named a relatively rotated side for the 1-1 draw with Spain, knowing that both teams had already qualified for the knock-outs ahead of kick-off.
He is expected to revert to a line-up similar to the ones he named for the opening two matches of the tournament against Germany, and is expected to call upon the likes of Casadei, Baldanzi and Wilfried Gnonto in attack.
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Tonight’s match will be attended by the new CT of the senior national team, Gennaro Gattuso.
Kick-off is expected at 20.00 BST.
Germany U21 vs. Italy U21: Probable line-ups 
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Niccolo Pisilli poses for a portrait prior to the training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Germany (4-3-3): Atubolu; Collins, Rosenfelder, Arrey-Mbi, Brown; Nebel, Martel, Reitz; Gruda, Tresoldi, Woltemade.
Italy (4-3-2-1): Desplanches; Zanotti, Coppola, Pirola, Ruggeri; Fabbian, Prati, Ndour; Baldanzi, Casadei; Gnonto.
Where to watch Germany vs. Italy
Tonight’s match will be available to watch live in the UK on Channel 4. Supporters in Italia will be able to watch for free on Rai 1.