Sun Mar 23 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Italy Needs “Exceptional Performance” to Overturn Germany in Nations League Return Leg

**Rome, Italy** – Italy’s national team manager, Luciano Spalletti, has urged his players to deliver an exceptional performance to overcome a 2-1 deficit against Germany in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg on Sunday. The Azzurri face a tough challenge at Signal Iduna Park after Germany overturned a one-goal deficit to win Thursday’s first leg in San Siro.

Spalletti admitted disappointment with the result, stating that he concealed his feelings in previous defeats but found this loss particularly difficult to accept given Italy’s performance. He emphasized the need for a significant improvement, saying, “We need to do something new. It will require something exceptional because we start from a position where we don’t have the advantage.” He stressed that while an impossible feat wasn’t required, changing key moments in the game and impactful performances from individual players would be crucial.

The manager highlighted the importance of collective effort, particularly given the absence of Arsenal defender Ricardo Calafiori due to a knee injury sustained in the first leg. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni is expected to replace him alongside Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno. Spalletti confirmed Bastoni’s participation, noting his comfort playing on either flank or centrally.

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