U21 Euros: Germany Edge 9-Man Italy in Extra-Time Thriller
Germany U21 are through to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship after a dramatic 3–2 win over a brave but ultimately outnumbered Italy U21 side, sealed by a last-gasp goal in the 117th minute from Merlin Röhl.
The game delivered everything - goals, red cards, and high drama. Germany took a late 2–1 lead in the 87th minute through Nick Woltemade (also reported as Wäiper in some outlets), just as Italy were already down to 10 men. Moments later, a second red card left the Italians with just nine players heading into stoppage time.
But against all odds, Giuseppe Ambrosino delivered a moment of magic in the sixth minute of added time, equalising at 2–2 and forcing extra time in what looked like an impossible comeback.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Azzurrini. Deep into extra time, Röhl struck what proved to be the winner, booking Germany’s place in the semi-finals, where they will now face a formidable France U21 side - fresh from their own hard-fought victory over Denmark.
Euro U21 2025
Germany - Italy 3:2 (0:0)
Goals: Koleosho, 58 (0:1); Woltemade, 68 (1:1); Weiper, 87 (2:1); Ambrosino, 90 (2:2); Röhl, 117 (3:2)
Germany: Atubolu; Collins N. (Baum, 100); Brown; Arrey-Mbi; Rosenfelder Max (Oermann, 91); Martel (Wanner P., 114); Reitz; Gruda (Knauff, 62); Nebel P. (Röhl, 62); Tresoldi (Weiper, 62); Woltemade
Bench: Ernst T.; Noll N.; Ullrich L.; Siebert; Jander; Thielmann
Yellow Cards: Brown 90
Italy: Desplanches; Zanotti (till 90); Ruggeri (Ambrosino, 88); Pirola (Turricchia, 102); Ghilardi; Coppola; Prati (Kayode M., 91); Ndour (Pisilli, 88); Fabbian (Fazzini, 102); Koleosho (Casadei, 71); Gnonto (till 80)
Bench: Zacchi; Sassi; Guarino; Doumbia; Bianco; Baldanzi
Yellow Cards: Pirola 16; Koleosho 28; Gnonto 63, 80; Zanotti 90, 90; Prati 90; Casadei 120
Red cards: Gnonto 80', Zanotti 90'
