By Klaus Bergmann and Arne Richter, dpa
Captain Joshua Kimmich set up both goals as Germany improved from a modest first half for their first victory in Italy in 39 years.
They can clinch a first-ever place in the Nations League finals in Sunday’s return leg in Dortmund.
The winner of the tie will host the Final Four mini tournament in early June. Germany have never made it that far while Italy came third the last two times 2023 and 2021.
It would be the second home event in a row for Germany after Euro 2024, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side want to go all the way for a first trophy since the 2017 Confederations Cup, and as a stepping stone towards next year’s World Cup.
Nagelsmann happy with comeback and Goretzka
“I am happy that we are able to come back and win. The first half was a bit dogged but we made amends at half-time. The team was full throttle to win the game,” coach Julian Nagelsmann told broadcasters ARD.
Nagelsmann also praised Goretzka, who he had overlooked since November 2023, for “an outstanding match.”
Goretzka said: “It was very nice, I am happy to have played here today. It wasn’t an easy time. Getting the winner is a nice story. I thought about such a scenario before the game because I have scored several goals before in the national team.”
Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann warned that “it was only the first step” as Germany have a negative overall record against Italy in big event knock-out ties – including a 2-0 defeat in Dortmund in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
Italy strike first
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti was without Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui, with Moise Kean taking his place.
Nagelsmann missed several key players including Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz, which opened the door for Goretzka and Nadiem Amiri to return into the line-up, Amiri having last played in 2020.
Germany dominated early possession but it was the Azzurri who drew first blood in the ninth minute.
Matteo Politano beat David Raum to a pass from the right, laid the ball back, Jonathan Tah failed to clear, and Tonali fired home from some 14 metres out in a central position.
Germany tried to hit back against a firm defence, with Goretzka heading onto the roof of the net and his drop volley then gathered by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Baumannsaved well from Tonali’s long range effort on the half-hour mark, and Kean’s right angle attempt shortly after as Italy remained the more dangerous side.
Amiri’s free-kick after a foul on Jamal Musiala sailed just over shortly before the break.
Turnaround after the break
Striker Kleindienst came on for Jonathan Burkardt after the break and was an instant hit when he completed a fine attacking move by heading Joshua Kimmich’s cross from the right into the bottom left corner.
The goal boosted the hosts but they also Baumann to deny Giacomo Raspadori one on one.
Goretzka headed wide off Kimmich’s cross from the right before the two Bayern Munich players connected for the winner in the 76th from Goretzka’s glancing header into the far corner off Kimmich’s corner kick from the left.
Baumann preserved the precious advantage when he prevented an own goal from Kleindienst and denied Daniel Maldini, the son of former Italy and AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini.