Germany versus Italy is a huge game, even when contested by the countries' respective youth teams. The Germany U20 national side welcome the young 'Squadra Azzurra' to the osnatel ARENA in Osnabrück today at 18:00 CET. Regardless of age level, Frank Wormuth is expecting a high-quality game to rival that of his players' senior counterparts. "All four teams in the tournament are on the same level," said the DFB manager. "Anyone can beat anyone here."
That much was evident in the reverse fixture in Tuscany, which Germany won 2-0, but was described by Wormuth as "very even and exciting to watch." The 55-year-old was particularly surprised by the defensive tactics deployed by the Italians at home: "They stood very deep and played mostly long balls after winning possession."
Gladbach's Dahoud likely to be rested
The goalscorers in the away game were Marvin Stefaniak of third-division league leaders Dynamo Dresden and Maximilian Eggestein of Werder Bremen. Eggestein will come in to replace Stefaniak in Osnabrück, after the latter pulled out of the U20 squad for health reasons. "In Maximilian Eggestein, we have a player who knows our footballing style and can directly help us," Wormuth said, explaining his selection.
The U20 manager will also have to make do without Boubacar Barry of Karlsruher SC, who experienced a rollercoaster game in the second division clash against Bochum. The 19-year-old scored his side's third goal only one minute after coming on, but just a few minutes later, he received a knock to the ear and was forced to leave the field. Borussia Dortmund youngster Mahmoud Dahoud will also be rested against Italy. Wormuth agreed with Gladbach manager André Schubert to give the player some time to recover.
Poland top of the table; Germany in third
The rest of the team are fit and motivated to secure a home win against Italy. "We want to show off some attractive football to the spectators in Osnabrück," said Wormuth. "That means being active on the pitch; linking up well, and creating chances." The team missed out training on Wednesday afternoon as to go into the game well rested, instead having a team meeting with video analysis. The team has, however, completed a standard training session today.There will be two games in the international break, the second coming in Münster on Monday against Poland, and everything remains up for grabs. Poland lead the way with seven points from four games, with Switzerland in second (three games, four points), Germany in third (two games, three points) and Italy in fourth (three games, two points). With wins in both upcoming home games, the Germany U20 side could take over top spot.
created by mmc/ac
Germany versus Italy is a huge game, even when contested by the countries' respective youth teams. The Germany U20 national side welcome the young 'Squadra Azzurra' to the osnatel ARENA in Osnabrück today at 18:00 CET. Regardless of age level, Frank Wormuth is expecting a high-quality game to rival that of his players' senior counterparts. "All four teams in the tournament are on the same level," said the DFB manager. "Anyone can beat anyone here."
That much was evident in the reverse fixture in Tuscany, which Germany won 2-0, but was described by Wormuth as "very even and exciting to watch." The 55-year-old was particularly surprised by the defensive tactics deployed by the Italians at home: "They stood very deep and played mostly long balls after winning possession."
Gladbach's Dahoud likely to be rested
The goalscorers in the away game were Marvin Stefaniak of third-division league leaders Dynamo Dresden and Maximilian Eggestein of Werder Bremen. Eggestein will come in to replace Stefaniak in Osnabrück, after the latter pulled out of the U20 squad for health reasons. "In Maximilian Eggestein, we have a player who knows our footballing style and can directly help us," Wormuth said, explaining his selection.
The U20 manager will also have to make do without Boubacar Barry of Karlsruher SC, who experienced a rollercoaster game in the second division clash against Bochum. The 19-year-old scored his side's third goal only one minute after coming on, but just a few minutes later, he received a knock to the ear and was forced to leave the field. Borussia Dortmund youngster Mahmoud Dahoud will also be rested against Italy. Wormuth agreed with Gladbach manager André Schubert to give the player some time to recover.
Poland top of the table; Germany in third
The rest of the team are fit and motivated to secure a home win against Italy. "We want to show off some attractive football to the spectators in Osnabrück," said Wormuth. "That means being active on the pitch; linking up well, and creating chances." The team missed out training on Wednesday afternoon as to go into the game well rested, instead having a team meeting with video analysis. The team has, however, completed a standard training session today.There will be two games in the international break, the second coming in Münster on Monday against Poland, and everything remains up for grabs. Poland lead the way with seven points from four games, with Switzerland in second (three games, four points), Germany in third (two games, three points) and Italy in fourth (three games, two points). With wins in both upcoming home games, the Germany U20 side could take over top spot.
