In a scintillating game of football, Germany U21 prevailed over their Italian counterpart in extra-time.

Germany’s task was to avoid the curse of group winners in the U21 Euros quarter-final. England, the Netherlands and France prevailed after hard-fought games against Spain, Portugal and Denmark in a thrilling quarter-final round.

Both teams had the privilege of resting key players in the final group game, and they now field their strong XIs to earn the last spot in the semi-final. Antonio Di Salvo’s team was clearly the better side in the opening stages of the game as Nicolo Tresoldi and Paul Nebel had chances inside the first ten minutes.

As expected, Nick Woltemade joined them in the 12th minute with a solo effort. However, Italy slowly turned the gears with Burnley’s Luca Koleosho looked promising in particular on their left side. Wilfred Gnonto, whose team Leeds United also promoted to the Premier League, had their first big chance at the half-hour mark when he hit the side netting.

A few minutes later, after a brilliant block by Bright Arrey-Mbi, Nebel had his shot from a tight angle saved by Sebastiano Desplanches in a counterattacking move. Despite their slow start, Italy finished the half strongly in terms of possession and chance creation.

Italy even came back stronger after the half-time break as they seemed to be winning the midfield battle. Noah Atubolu made a decent save from Gnonto before Nunziata’s team deservedly broke the deadlock in the 57th minute.

Koleosho strikes an unstoppable shot after cutting from the left side for his maiden Italy U21 goal. Di Salvo responded with triple substitutions, including the introduction of the two goal scorers against England – Ansgar Knauff and Nelson Weiper.

However, the goal came from the usual suspect. Woltemade netted his fifth goal of the tournament with a powerful header from Rocco Reitz’s corner-kick. The sought-after striker registered double-digit goal contributions in his last four games for the U21s.

Italy were undeterred by the equalizer, but they faced another setback when Gnonto picked up his second yellow card after a mistimed challenge. The winger, who was once SC Freiburg’s transfer target, left the pitch in tears as the momentum was still with Italy at that time.

He regretted the red card more when two substitutes played a big part in Germany’s second goal in the 87th minute. Woltemade diverted Merlin Röhl’s cross to the direction of Weiper, who scored a delightful goal with a half volley.

Italy’s hopes of chasing the game seemed to be over when Mattia Zanotti was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct. With Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon in attendance, Italy played a great game, and forced extra-time in the 96th minute.

Playing against nine men, Germany’s captain Eric Martel committed an avoidable foul in a dangerous area. Only coming on as a late substitute, Giuseppe Ambrosino provided an expert finish with a direct free-kick goal to make it 2-2.

Although the shock of conceding the last-gasp equalizer could have some impact, Germany still had the advantage as they were about to play 30 minutes of football 11 v 9. Nunziata didn’t follow Ange Postecoglou’s adventurous book, but they held their own by limiting Germany to half chances.

And, Torino’s goalkeeper made a great save from Reitz’s attempt in Germany’s only real chance of the first-half. Germany started the final 15 minutes in better shape, but Italy once again managed to interrupt their flow.

That was until Röhl scored a stunner from outside the box, however. The Freiburg midfielder’s goal came in the 117th minute, which broke the hearts of the Italians. It wasn’t easy at all, but Germany finally secured their spot in the semis as the only group winner.

Germany will face France on Wednesday for a place in the final. Defending champions England and the Netherlands will compete in the earlier semi-final fixture.