Italy vs. Germany finished goalless as Kevin Volland had a goal disallowed in the 63rd minute while Andrea Belotti hit the post with ten minutes left. There were around 49,000 in attendance at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to watch a classic international fixture. The two nations have eight World Cups between them with four apiece and the duo have won four European Championships with the Germans boasting three. The glamorous fixture also evokes memories of Italy 4-3 Germany in the 1970 World Cup.

It was the third meeting of the year between the two sides. The first game in Munich was a 4-1 win for Germany. The second was a 1-1 draw at Euro 2016’s quarter-final stage with the Germans going through on penalties. There were different sides on show as Germany played a young team while Italy were still looking for a new identity. Ventura changed the 4-2-4 from Vaduz into a 3-4-3 with Eder, Ciro Immobile and Belotti up front. Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli were protecting Gigi Buffon’s goal with Davide Zappacosta, Daniele De Rossi, Marco Parolo and Matteo Darmian in the middle.

Putting tradition to one side, it was a big occasion with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the stands and activities taking place to support the AIRC (Italian Cancer Research Association). Against the reigning World Cup holders, Italy were looking for new options coming in from their qualifying win against Liechtenstein and they were there to be seen. In the first half, the Germans were on top with the Azzurri in some difficulty as they struggled to impose themselves with the opposition doing well to ensure there wasn’t enough space to create much.

Belotti had an early attempt from distance after only two minutes, although the ball sailed comfortably over the bar. Buffon was then put to work in the 11th minute, although he did well to keep out a shot from Leon Goretzka. The 25th minute then saw De Rossi play a wonderful ball forward to Immobile, although the striker was unable to direct his shot on target. Germany soon responded through Gerhardt, although Buffon was unsurprisingly prompt in his response.

During the interval Ventura made the first two of his six substitutions: Gianluigi Donnarumma came on in place of Buffon (his second appearance after making his debut in Bari against France), whilst Davide Astori replaced Romagnoli. The Azzurri shown great character in the second half with De Rossi inspiring the play, and Belotti and Immobile prepared to attack the space in behind. There was a key moment in the 63rd minute as Volland scored for Germany, however the goal was disallowed for offside. Italy responded swiftly and Federico Bernardeschi replaced Eder, although the substitute’s low strike was saved well by Leno. Italy’s momentum grew in the 81st minute and Belotti went extremely close to breaking the deadlock, although his well-worked effort hit the post.  Italy improved in the second half; they were more decisive, more exciting and more energetic. It was a great response from Ventura’s Azzurri team. The coach opted to replace Belotti will Simone Zaza in the final three minutes, whilst Nicola Sansone also came on in the place of Ciro Immobile. These were the final actions in the final match of 2016.