Leon Goretzka, who hasn’t played for Germany since November 2023 and missed Euro 2024, has been selected for the national team by coach Julian Nagelsmann for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against Italy on March 20 and 23. This selection serves as a form of redemption for Goretzka, who has been in good form for Bayern Munich despite reported discussions about potentially leaving the club. Factors in Goretzka’s selection include injuries to several key players such as Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Marc-André ter Stegen, Niclas Füllkrug, Benjamin Henrichs, and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Nagelsmann, acknowledging the absences due to injuries, emphasized the quality and motivation of the selected squad. Yann Aurel Bisseck, a 24-year-old defender for Inter Milan, and Nadiem Amiri, a Mainz midfielder returning after four years, have been named to the squad for the first time and for the first time in over four years, respectively.

If Germany progresses past Italy, the UEFA Nations League Final Four will be hosted by Munich and Stuttgart, with the semi-finals on June 4 and 5, and the final and third-place match on June 8. In case Italy advances, the tournament will be hosted by Turin.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nagelsmann-includes-goretzka-in-germany-nations-league-squad/a-71910542?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf