Joshua Kimmich provided two assists as Germany fought back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory over Italy in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at San Siro.
Buoyed from winning the EFL Cup with Newcastle United, former AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali required just nine minutes to make an impact on his return to his old stomping ground.
Tonali's second international goal gave Italy a slender advantage until the 49th minute when Tim Kleindienst pulled Germany level to vindicate Julian Nagelsmann's decision to introduce him at half time.
After providing the assist for Kleindienst's leveller, a confident Kimmich wielded his creative touch to set up the all-important winner in Milan, delivering the perfect corner for Leon Goretzka to head home at the near post.
Oliver Baumann made a couple of important saves in the closing stages to help his country extend their unbeaten run to seven matches with a precious victory.
As for Luciano Spalletti's side, they are left to reflect on back-to-back defeats, putting them on the back foot ahead of Sunday's second leg in Germany.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Italy gave themselves a solid platform with Tonali's early goal, so they would have been bitterly disappointed to finish the contest with nothing to show for their efforts.
The Azzurri ultimately failed to make full use of home advantage, leaving them with significant work to do in the return fixture in Germany.
As for the visitors, Nagelsmann would have been proud of the character that his team showed to pull off an impressive win from a losing position.
The tie now appears to be Germany's to lose, but Nagelsmann will be reminding his side that the job is only half done.
ITALY VS. GERMANY HIGHLIGHTS
9th min: Italy 1-0 Germany (Sandro Tonali)
Italy take an early lead. The goal starts with Alessandro Bastoni's cross-field ball to Nicolo Barella. The Inter Milan midfielder plays the ball in behind for Matteo Politano, who sees his pass flicked away by Jonathan Tah. However, Tonali is on hand to latch onto the attempted clearance, whipping the ball into the far corner to the delight of the home support.
49th min: Italy 1-1 Germany (Tim Kleindienst)
What a start to the second half for Germany. Kleindienst, who was brought on at the break, requires just four minutes to stamp his mark on the contest. The Borussia Monchengladbach forward towers high in the box to steer his header beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma after meeting Kimmich's cross from the right flank.
76th min: Italy 1-2 Germany (Leon Goretzka)
Germany complete the turnaround. Goretzka makes the run to meet Kimmich's corner in front of the near post. The Bayern Munich midfielder provides enough angle to his header to guide it past Donnarumma's desperate dive.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JOSHUA KIMMICH
Kimmich produced a true captain's performance to lead his side to an impressive victory in the first leg against Italy.
The 30-year-old provided two assists and created five chances throughout the contest, while he also contributed to his team's performance without the ball.
Kimmich won two of his three tackles, made a couple of interceptions and pulled off eight recoveries to help his side claim a narrow win.
ITALY VS. GERMANY MATCH STATS
Possession: Italy 41%-59% Germany
Shots: Italy 13-10 Germany
Shots on target: Italy 6-4 Germany
Corners: Italy 6-8 Germany
Fouls: Italy 14-20 Germany
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
After falling to a narrow defeat, Italy will have to quickly pick themselves up for Sunday's return leg at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Germany will look to protect their first-leg lead and set up a semi-final clash against one of Denmark or Portugal.
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