Germany wins with a landslide victory over Italy at San Siro, Croatia shocks France, Spain finally escapes against the Netherlands

The first match of the Nations League quarterfinals is not only complicated for Italy, defeated 1-2 by Germany. Spain and France also do not make a good performance. The Red Furies suffer and tremble against the Netherlands, which overturns the initial advantage with Gakpo and Reijnders: Merino equalizes in the 93rd minute for a final 2-2. It goes worse for France, which is defeated 2-0 by an excellent Croatia: Perisic goal and assist. In the match that has an impact for Italy, Denmark defeats Portugal 1-0.

ITALY 1-2 GERMANY

Italy lost 1-2 at San Siro against Germany in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals, making the road to the Final Four in June very difficult. The Azzurri started well and found the goal in the 9th minute with an inspired Tonali. Germany turned everything around in the second half with Kleindienst and Goretzka, both with headers. Now, for the return match on Sunday in Dortmund, Spalletti's men need a miracle to reach the semi-finals.

Qualifying for the Finals is now a mountain to climb. Germany overturned everything at San Siro and on Sunday in Dortmund it will take a miracle to hope for the trophy in June. Too bad, because Tonali's goal at the start of the match had given us hope. Germany, even without Havertz, Wirtz and Füllkrug, showed more quality and international experience: Kimmich and Goretzka led the team, Nagelsmann made the right changes and the turnaround happened in the second half. Baumann was decisive several times for the Germans and without his saves, the match could have gone differently. Italy has not won against Germany since 2012 (7 matches in a row) and has a serious problem with set pieces, which were fatal against France in November as well as tonight.

NETHERLANDS-SPAIN 2-2

Spain equalized in the final moments in Rotterdam, in a fiery atmosphere: it ended 2-2 against a strong Netherlands. The Red Furies started briskly with Pedri, and in the 8th minute they scored with Nico Williams, after an action started by Yamal. Morata came close to the second goal, but van Dijk revived the Netherlands and created the chance to equalize. The goal came in the 27th minute with an assist from Kluivert and an elusive shot from Gakpo for 1-1.

Cubarsi is injured and replaced by Huijsen, while the Spanish defense trembles: Depay tests Unai Simon, Reijnders hits the post and in the 46th minute, after an assist from Frimpong, scores for the Netherlands' advantage. Spain is struggling, Gakpo misses a chance for a double, while Huijsen saves another goal from Reijnders. Hato is punished with a red card in the 81st minute and in extra time, Merino equalizes with a tap-in in the 93rd minute. Everything remains open for the return match.

CROATIA-FRANCE 2-0

The night turns dark for France, who are defeated 2-0 by Ivan Perisic, author of a goal and an assist. Konaté causes an unnecessary penalty in the 8th minute, but Maignan stops Kramaric, keeping the score 0-0. Mbappé tries to wake up France, but apart from him, Les Bleus look helpless and Croatia takes advantage. Perisic assists Budimir, who scores with a header in the 26th minute. The former Inter player shines and in extra time he also scores personally: a beautiful volley, Maignan defeated and 2-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Deschamps brings on Upamecano, but France are left clueless and Croatia dominate the game. Dembélé is a complete disappointment, while Livakovic makes a crucial save to defend the advantage. Croatia wins 2-0 and will now have to defend this lead in France.

DENMARK-PORTUGAL 1-0

Surprise in the match that could affect Italy's qualification: Denmark dominates and defeats Portugal 1-0. Diogo Costa risks from the beginning with a wrong exit and then saves the team several times. The Portuguese goalkeeper also stops an Eriksen penalty in the 23rd minute, but Denmark does not stop. Lindstrom and Biereth create dangerous chances, but the first half ends goalless.

In the second half, Isaksen misses a golden opportunity, but Danish pressure pays off in the 78th minute: Højlund scores after a brilliant team move to give Denmark the win. Skov Olsen could have doubled the lead, but the Danes celebrate a great victory, while Portugal must turn things around in the return leg.