Germany qualified for the semi-finals of the under-21 European Championship in Poland despite a 1-0 defeat against Italy in their final group game.
Stefan Kuntz’s men will play England in the last four after progressing as the best runner-up from the three groups.
Federico Bernadeschi’s first half strike was enough to see the Azzurri top the group, as the Italians held out for a hard-fought victory in Krakow on Saturday night.
Marc-Oliver Kempf had an early header ruled out for offside for Germany, with replays showing the goal should have counted, however with no video referee available at the tournament, the decision was unable to be overturned.
A high-tempo game throughout, both teams closed each other down well and there were few openings for either side during the 90 minutes.
Julian Pollersbeck was twice called into action to deny long range efforts while Mitchell Weiser curled an effort agonizingly wide for the under-21 Mannschaft just after the restart.
Italy will face off against other group winners Spain, with the semi-finals taking place next Tuesday evening, with the final next Friday.
Germany qualified for the semi-finals of the under-21 European Championship in Poland despite a 1-0 defeat against Italy in their final group game.
Stefan Kuntz’s men will play England in the last four after progressing as the best runner-up from the three groups.
Federico Bernadeschi’s first half strike was enough to see the Azzurri top the group, as the Italians held out for a hard-fought victory in Krakow on Saturday night.
Marc-Oliver Kempf had an early header ruled out for offside for Germany, with replays showing the goal should have counted, however with no video referee available at the tournament, the decision was unable to be overturned.
A high-tempo game throughout, both teams closed each other down well and there were few openings for either side during the 90 minutes.
Julian Pollersbeck was twice called into action to deny long range efforts while Mitchell Weiser curled an effort agonizingly wide for the under-21 Mannschaft just after the restart.
Italy will face off against other group winners Spain, with the semi-finals taking place next Tuesday evening, with the final next Friday.
