#2 Germany’s lineup, tactical setup and changes
Most of Germany’s players who were fielded against San Marino in the World Cup qualifier last week were taken off for this important friendly, including star debutant Serge Gnabry (who had a hat trick to his name versus San Marino).
Germany played in an unusual 3-6-1 setup. Mustafi, Hummels and Howedes set up a formidable backline, while Kimmich and Yannick Gerhardt played in the wing-back roles on the left and right respectively. Julian Weigl and Sebastian Rudy played as the central defensive midfielders, while Goretzka and Gundogan played further up front in support of Muller.
Following the break, a spree of changes saw the likes of Volland, Gnabry and Gotze come on for the visitors. None of the three substitutes got going against a well-organised Italian team defending expertly in the San Siro – one of the most intimidating stadiums in Europe.
