VIDEO: Germany reward quick-thinking ball boy after key role in comical Jamal Musiala goal that left Italy's defence red-faced

Die Mannschaft were in UEFA Nations League action against the Azzurri at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. They surged into a 3-0 lead during that contest, with Bayern Munich playmaker Musiala grabbing their second goal of the evening.

Musiala could not believe his luck when presented with the simplest of tasks in front of an unguarded net. He was able to fire home after club colleague Joshua Kimmich picked him out with a clever set-piece routine. The Italian defence, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma straying a long way off his line, were busy talking among themselves when Kimmich drilled the ball into the box and Musiala wheeled away in celebration. The strike was made possible by the reactions of the youngster who was tasked with returning balls to play.

The boy in question was treated to a signed ball from Kimmich having teed him up for the corner that left Italy looking sheepish and the home support delighted. He also posed for pictures with the Bayern star, who has extended his contract at the Allianz Arena through to 2029.

Germany did make a mess of their second-half performance against Italy, as an entertaining encounter ended 3-3 on the night, but they are safely through to the Nations League semi-finals and will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Munich on June 4.