Germany came from behind and then conceded a late equaliser before finally seeing off nine-man Italy in extra time of a dramatic UEFA Under-21 Championship quarter-final.
After a goalless first half with little in the way of chances at either end, Luca Koleosho gave Italy the lead just before the hour mark (58’). VfB’s Nick Woltemade was then instrumental in Germany’s U21s turning things around, equalising with a header (68’) before setting up Nelson Weiper who also headed home to make it 2-1 (87’).
Late drama, Germany dominate extra-time
Italy’s U21s found themselves reduced to nine men after both Wilfried Gnonto (80’) and Mattia Zanotti (90’) picked up second yellow cards, but Giuseppe Ambrosino somehow managed to claw them level in the sixth minute of time added on. Germany dominated extra time with their two-man advantage however, and finally got the winner in the 117th minute through Merlin Röhl, to reach the semi-finals of the U21 EURO for the seventh time.
Antonio Di Salvo’s charges will now face France on Wednesday 25 June after the latter defeated Denmark in the day’s earlier quarter-final, also by a 3-2 scoreline.
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Picture: Imago