
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.


This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.
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Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Despite a severely depleted squad and being a player down, the Bayer 04 Women made a winning start to their 2026 campaign. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 2-1 at newly promoted FC Union Berlin on Friday night thanks to a last-minute goal. Vanessa Fudalla scored from a direct free-kick (78') and Kristin Kögel (90+2’) in stoppage time for the Werkself, who were reduced to ten players on 68 minutes, on an atmospheric stage at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. As a result, the Black and Reds are now fifth in the table for at least one night at the start of matchday 15.
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The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.
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