Sufficient training. I talked enough. Enough waiting. After two weeks of intense preparation, Captain Manuel Neuer Quote National Football Team Definitely prove it in the competition.

Italy vs Germany in Bologna – 170 days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the showdown between the four-times world champion should show where national coach Hansi Flick stands with his team. background wind? Or a lightened mood?

Initial position

“We are all happy that we are finally getting started,” Flick said before the union delegation’s short trip from headquarters in Herzogenaurach to Bologna. The 57-year-old has managed the 26-man squad for two weeks well, with the exception of Dortmund, who was still missing after initially being injured. Marco Reyos Prepare for the four missions in the Nations League. Italy, United Kingdom, Hungary And Italy again – before the holiday, the players have to mobilize their forces. “We had good preparations in Marbella and now in Herzogenaurach,” Flick, 57, said at the end of the season. “We are happy to start now. We are all excited.”

The League of Nations

The UEFA competition will be held for the third time. In the DFB Under the leadership of Flick’s predecessor Joachim Loew, he was suspected of being somewhat insignificant and even annoying at times. On the other hand, Flick is seeking a place in the Final Four as the first in the strong group with European champion Italy, and second place in the European Championships England and Hungary. Bayern Munich professional Joshua Kimmich formulated the player’s point of view. “I think it’s better to play Nations League matches where there is something at stake than friendlies,” the 27-year-old said.

Italia

Flick doesn’t really know what to expect from a fearsome German opponent. A year ago, after beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium in London, the Italians stood there as European champions, admired and jubilant. Now they have radically collapsed, missed the World Cup and have to start the next reconstruction. Flick wants to focus fully on his eleven at the 36,000-seat Renato Dallara Stadium. “We expect to be very focused and active and try to put the opponent under pressure.” In his 10th international game as coach, Flick is chasing his ninth win. He wants to remain undefeated.

piñata

Coach Roberto Mancini must regroup the Squadra Azzurra after Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Argentina in London. “A lot of people left because they also had to recover physically,” he said. “They weren’t ready to play four matches.” Captain and defensive guarantor Giorgio Chiellini also left the team. “We’re taking more risks because obviously we’re changing a lot,” Mancini said. Germany advantage? This is what it should be. Their last two away wins were 36 years ago. In 1986 in Avellino there was a 2–1 draw for the DFB selection: Lothar Matthaus scored the winning goal at that time.

retirement

Flick wants to send “the best possible team” to the pitch in Bologna. So the team can also start in the World Cup. This should also include Timo Werner, who is repeatedly questioned in public. However, the Chelsea FC striker has a good reputation with the national coach. The most successful scorer under Flick’s leadership (6 goals) faces his 50th international match with Germany. “I found him very committed and focused,” Flick said Friday. “He’s fit as well, which is always very important for Timo.”

(phone Klaus BergmannJean Mays and Johannes Neudeckerdpa)