Italy ridiculed after letting Jamal Musiala score 'cartoonish' goal for Germany as entire Azzurri defence 'falls asleep' for Joshua Kimmich's quick corner routine in Nations League thriller

A UEFA Nations League thriller was played out at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund as the two European heavyweights locked horns. The hosts headed into that contest leading 2-1 from the first leg, and were just about able to get themselves over the line.

Germany appeared to be easing into the semi-finals after opening up a 3-0 lead by half-time, only to see Italy net three times in the second half. The Azzurri gave themselves a mountain to climb, which they were ultimately unable to overcome, after putting in a defensive disaster-class.

Germany’s second of the night saw Musiala turn the ball into an empty net after Italy failed to recognise the threat posed by a quick corner. Joshua Kimmich was very much switched on as he fired the ball into Bayern Munich team-mate Musiala, with the Azzurri defence – including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – still chatting among themselves as they conceded a comical effort.

Spectators were quick to tear into some hapless defending, with @NimaTavRood saying: "Nothing sums up this international break defensively for Italy better than this cartoonish goal." @JcapGLJ added: "Who is Italy kidding? Even if they didn't fall asleep in such embarrassing fashion, they have less then zero chance of scoring. It's the same thing over and over and over again." @carlogarganese went on to say: "Serious questions need to be asked if Luciano Spalletti is the right manager to take Italy forward. This Italy defend like schoolboys, they’ve conceded 9 goals in six games on set-pieces and they have no fight or organisation."

@chrissy1893 said: "Italy genuinely just embarrassed themselves yet again defensively. They're just dreadful at set pieces." @ItalyProp echoed those sentiments by saying: "That was one of the most disgraceful things I’ve ever seen. Genuine question: Does Spalletti even coach this team? Or does he just pick a lineup and tell them to go out there and play at 70% effort to not get hurt for their clubs? It is complete chaos. Headless chickens."

While Italy almost dragged themselves back into the tie, as they fell narrowly short of forcing extra-time, they are being left to reflect on another disjointed display which has delivered more uncomfortable questions ahead of 2026 World Cup qualification getting underway.