Italy concede bizarre goal in Nations League draw against Germany

Italy's Nations League quarter-final second leg against Germany ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, but the match was marred by an embarrassing goal conceded by the Azzurri. During a corner, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, after making a crucial save, was caught arguing with his teammates. This distraction allowed Joshua Kimmich to take a quick corner, which found Jamal Musiala unmarked, leading to a goal into an empty net.

The goal was particularly notable as it stood due to the rules surrounding corner kicks, which do not allow offside calls. The moment also created a new hero in the form of 15-year-old ball boy Noel Urbaniack, who assisted Kimmich's quick delivery. Urbaniack expressed his excitement, recalling the brief eye contact with Kimmich before he threw the ball, marking a memorable first experience as a ball boy.

Kimmich had previously opened the scoring with a penalty in the 30th minute, followed by Musiala's goal six minutes later. Just before half-time, Tim Kleindienst made it 3-0 for Germany. However, Italy mounted a comeback in the second half, with Moise Kean scoring twice and Giacomo Raspadori converting a penalty in the dying moments to level the match.

Despite the draw, Italy's aggregate loss of 5-4 saw them exit the Nations League, while Germany advanced to the finals, which they will host in June. This match highlighted Italy's defensive lapses and inability to maintain concentration during critical moments, ultimately ending their campaign in the tournament.

via Sky Sports