Germany squad for Nations League quarterfinals: Goretzka, Adeyemi return; Amiri back after nearly five years

Germany squad for Nations League quarterfinals: Goretzka, Adeyemi return; Amiri back after nearly five years

Leon Goretzka, Karim Adeyemi and Nadiem Amiri were the notable players back in the team as Germany announced its squad the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals later this month.

Amiri is the most prominent name returning to the squad after his inspiring form with Mainz in the German Bundesliga this season. With seven goals and three assists in all competitions, Amiri has been instrumental in helping the team climb to third in the league standings.

Germany will play Italy in the Nations League quarters over two legs, on March 20 and 23. The winner will go on to face Denmark or Portugal, the winning side in the other quarterfinal.

Injuries to key players including Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fuellkrug and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen necessitated several changes as Germany looks to reach the final four of the Nations League for the first time.

Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka last played for Germany in 2023 but has regained the form of a few years ago.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, who coached him at Bayern, said, “Leon is in a very good phase from a sporting perspective.”

Adeyemi has not pulled on a Germany senior shirt since 2022 and this is the first time Nagelsmann has selected him.

Appointed Germany manager in September 2023, Nagelsmann has repeatedly selected on form rather than reputation, having regularly left big names out of the squad.

Inter Milan centre-back Yann Aurel Bisseck, 24, is the only debutant. “We’ve got great respect for him,” Nagelsmann said of Bisseck, adding “he’s got a lot of talent and brings plenty to the table,” Nagelsmann said.

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Mar 13, 2025