Woltemade leads Germany into the European Championship quarter-finals against Italy!

Woltemade leads Germany into the European Championship quarter-finals against Italy!

Today, June 22, 2025, the German U21 footballers are on the field in the quarter-finals of the U21 European Championship against Italy. An exciting duel that many fans were hoping for. The focus is particularly on Nick Woltemade, who was called back into the starting eleven by national coach Antonio Di Salvo. Woltemade has already impressively scored four goals in the group stage and could become the fourth German top scorer at a U21 European Championship. He would be following in the footsteps of great players who have won the Golden Boot.

The game started promisingly for the Germans, but at halftime it was still 0-0. Woltemade's team created a few chances, but were hit by the Italian defense. The line-up of the German team: Atubolu – Collins, Rosenfelder, Arrey-Mbi, Brown – Martel, Reitz – Gruda, Woltemade, Nebel – Tresoldi. The Italians, led by their keeper Desplanches, also showed strong and came with dangerous attacks, Prati shot just wide of the goal in the 45th minute.

Woltemade's goal and competition

Woltemade, who impressed in the last games against Slovenia and the Czech Republic, is determined to improve his performance. After a breather in the last group game, he is now “100 percent fit” and ready to play a crucial role in the quarter-final game. His rival Geovany Quenda from Portugal has already been eliminated after missing a penalty, taking Woltemade a big step closer to the top scorer title. He has currently put Germany on the big football stage and could be a decisive factor for a possible medal in this tournament.

The U21 European Football Championship, organized by UEFA and held since 1978, is an important platform for many players. Every fourth year, not only is the European champion determined here, but the best talents are also qualified for the Olympic football tournament. As one of 16 participants from all over Europe, it is a unique opportunity for Woltemade and his teammates to present themselves and go down in the history of German football.

The course of the game until halftime

The game has been played intensively by both sides so far. While the Germans gain access in the first few minutes, Italy becomes increasingly stronger. Woltemade's first chance in the 12th minute went unused, and Nebel was also unlucky with a shot. The best German opportunity fell to Nebel, who was stopped by Desplanches. The defense around Rosenfelder and Collins appears to be stable, but Italian transfer Gnonto causes excitement in the German penalty area. The events on the pitch keep the spectators on tenterhooks and promise an exciting second half.

One thing is certain: the quarter-final against Italy is a hot dance for a place in the semi-finals, and expectations are high. It remains to be seen whether Woltemade and Co. will succeed in defeating the Italians. But with such talented players in the squad, there is great hope that Germany will emerge victorious again and write further chapters in football history.

For all football fans – stay tuned! The fight for the title continues.