If you ask a German football fan about Italy, you’ll probably see a visible flinch. It’s a physiological reaction at this point. For decades, the Germany national football team vs Italy national football team matchup wasn't just a game; it was a psychological barrier that the Germans simply could not climb over. We’re talking about a rivalry where one side held four World Cup titles and the other held four, yet in the biggest moments, the Italians always seemed to have the remote control.
They own the "Game of the Century." They own the 1982 Final. They even own that heartbreaking 2006 semifinal in Dortmund where Fabio Grosso broke German hearts in the 119th minute. Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest hexes in sports history.
But things are shifting. If you haven't been paying attention to the last few years, the narrative has flipped in a way that would have seemed impossible during the Buffon and Pirlo era.
The Historic "Italian Jinx" and Why It Finally Broke
For exactly 46 years, Germany could not beat Italy in a competitive match. Think about that. From the 1970 World Cup semi-final until the Euro 2016 quarter-final, the Germans were essentially winless when the stakes actually mattered. They’d win a friendly here and there, sure, but as soon as the tournament lights came on, the Azzurri would turn into a brick wall.
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The breakthrough finally happened in Bordeaux during Euro 2016. It wasn't pretty. It was actually a chaotic, borderline ugly penalty shootout where guys like Simone Zaza did that weird "running man" dance only to sky the ball. Germany won 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It felt like an exorcism.
Fast forward to the recent UEFA Nations League cycles, and the power dynamic has swung wildly. In June 2022, Germany didn't just beat Italy; they dismantled them 5-2 in Mönchengladbach. It was the first time Germany had ever beaten Italy in regulation time in a competitive fixture.
Recent Clashes (2025 Update)
The most recent chapters of this saga took place in March 2025 during the Nations League quarter-finals. It was high-octane stuff.
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- First Leg (Milan): Germany managed a 2-1 win at the San Siro. This was massive because winning on Italian soil is historically a nightmare for Die Mannschaft.
- Second Leg (Dortmund): This was a 3-3 thriller at Signal Iduna Park. Germany went up 3-0 thanks to Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst. Then, Italy staged a frantic comeback with a Moise Kean brace and a late Giacomo Raspadori penalty. Germany held on to win 5-4 on aggregate, but it proved the Italians never truly go away.
Head-to-Head Statistics: By the Numbers
When you look at the raw data, Italy still leads the all-time series, though the gap is closing. Across 39 meetings, the record stands at:
- Italy Wins: 15
- Germany Wins: 11 (including the 2016 penalty shootout)
- Draws: 13
Italy has scored 53 goals to Germany's 52 in the overall history. It is almost perfectly balanced, which is why this is widely considered the greatest rivalry in European international football.
The Tactical War: Catenaccio vs. The Machine
The beauty of Germany vs Italy is the clash of philosophies. Historically, it was Italian defensive masterclasses (Catenaccio) against German efficiency and endurance.
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But look at the teams now. Julian Nagelsmann has Germany playing a fluid, high-pressing system centered around "Wusiala"—the creative pairing of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. They don't wait for you to tire out anymore; they try to overwhelm you in the first twenty minutes.
On the flip side, Luciano Spalletti’s Italy is in a transitional phase. They’ve moved away from the old-school defensive shell and are trying to be more proactive, though they’ve struggled with consistency after missing out on the 2022 World Cup and having a rocky Euro 2024. The 3-3 draw in March 2025 showed that Italy still has that "never say die" spirit, but their backline is nowhere near the Cannavaro or Chiellini levels of the past.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
- The World Cup Pedigree: They share 8 stars on their chests. No other European matchup carries that much gold.
- The "Game of the Century": The 1970 semi-final (Italy 4-3 West Germany) is literally commemorated with a plaque at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico. It’s the benchmark for drama.
- The Psychological Edge: Germany used to be terrified of Italy. Now, Italy is the one trying to regain their status as the "Big Brother" of the fixture.
What You Should Watch For Next
If these teams meet again in the 2026 World Cup, throw the form book out the window. Germany looks like the more stable project right now under Nagelsmann, with a settled core of Kimmich, Musiala, and Kai Havertz. Italy, meanwhile, is betting big on younger talents like Moise Kean and Alessandro Bastoni to lead the new era.
Basically, the "Italian Jinx" is dead, but the rivalry is more competitive than it’s been in a century.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 World Cup Qualifying groups: See if they are on a collision course for the knockout rounds.
- Watch the 5-2 highlights from 2022: If you want to see the exact moment the "invincibility" of Italy vanished for the German squad.
- Monitor Jamal Musiala’s fitness: He has become the "Italy-killer" in recent years, consistently finding gaps in their traditionally tight defensive lines.