
Leno played in goal for Germany against the four-time World Cup winners in his third full international. Benjamin Henrichs, who made his debut against San Marino, joined Jonathan Tah and Kevin Volland on the subs' bench.
This was the third time Germany have played Italy this year – the two previous matches were won by Joachim Löw and his players with the last victory on penalties in the Euro 2016 quarter-final tie in France.
The game at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium developed into an entertaining encounter as both sides endeavoured to get on the front foot. The best chances for Germany in the first 45 minutes fell to Leon Goretzka (12'), Ilkay Gündogan (27', 32') and Thomas Müller (44'). The Italians had good chances through Rugani (13'), with a long-range effort that did not trouble Leno, and Immobile (25').
In the second half, Löw brought on Bayer 04 central defender Jonathan Tah in place of Mats Hummels and the Italians up the pressure. Kevin Volland came off the bench on the hour mark. The Werkself striker, making his tenth full international appearance, immediately brought life to the German attack. He had a goal chalked off due to an offside decision on 62 minutes and he put a shot just wide of the post on 73 minutes.
The Italians also had very good chances. Leno pulled off a great save on 71 minutes to keep out a shot from Bernardeschi. Shortly after that, luck was on his side as Belotti only hit the woodwork. "I think we can live with 0-0. We could have won with a bit more luck. Overall, I think we put on a great display," said Leno after the game
Draw for Austria, victory for Croatia
The friendly between Austria and Slovakia also ended goalless. Julian Baumgartlinger and Aleksandar Dragovic were in the starting eleven for the hosts. Ramazan Özcan did not play. Baumgartlinger came off at half-time while Dragovic played the full 90 minutes.
Tin Jedvaj played the full 90 minutes for Croatia and produced a convincing performance in their 3-0 win away to Northern Ireland.
Draw for Robbie Kruse and the Socceroos
Robbie Kruse and his Australia team-mates endured a tough shift on Tuesday afternoon. The Socceroos could only manage a 2-2 draw against Thailand in Bangkok. Kruse started and played the whole game. Australia are currently third in the Asia group the World Cup qualifiers but are just one point behind Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Mehmedi on course with Switzerland
Admir Mehmedi and Switzerland played on Sunday in the World Cup qualifiers where they picked up a fourth win in four games. The Swiss beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 and are currently on course to qualify for the World Cup as group leaders. Mehmedi, who hit the post on 78 minutes, played the full game. Switzerland now have a three-point lead over Euro 2016 winners Portugal who they beat 2-0 in the first group match.


Bayer 04 were beaten 1-0 away at Union Berlin on Matchday 23 in the Bundesliga. Kasper Hjulmand’s side struggled to create clear chances, while the hosts struck the only goal of the game through Rani Khedira in the 28th minute.
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Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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