Nicolo Tresoldi is being actively courted by the Italian Football Federation. His recent performance for the German U21 team once again highlights his potential, raising the question of whether senior national team coach Julian Nagelsmann might soon consider him.
The German U21 national team confidently completed its task, securing a dominant 3-0 (2-0) victory against Northern Ireland in Braunschweig. This win serves as a warm-up for their crucial upcoming match against Greece, keeping direct qualification for next year’s European Championship firmly in sight.
Nicolò Tresoldi of Club Brugge was the decisive player, putting the DFB squad on track early with a penalty he earned himself in the 11th minute and a header in the 41st. His strong performances at Brugge, coupled with injuries to Tim Kleindienst and Niclas Füllkrug’s dip in form, had already made him a topic of discussion for Julian Nagelsmann’s senior national team, especially with Italy actively vying for his services. For U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo, however, it is advantageous that Tresoldi continues to play for his squad for now. Nelson Weiper of Mainz sealed the 3-0 victory in the 90th minute in front of 10,391 spectators.
With this victory, the team, including Cologne’s rising star Said El Mala, remains second in Qualification Group F. The squad now travels with significant confidence to Tuesday’s potentially decisive match for group supremacy in Athens. The goal is direct qualification for next year’s tournament in Serbia and Albania, where Olympic tickets will also be awarded. Only group winners secure a direct spot in the finals. Germany had lost the first leg against the undefeated Greeks 2-3 in Jena last October.
Prior to the match, there was speculation about Julian Nagelsmann calling up El Mala for the senior national team, but the Bundestrainer ultimately decided against selecting the winger despite some absences, a decision welcomed by Di Salvo.
Tresoldi’s penalty stemmed from a glaring defensive error when he was fouled by goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley, who had no other way to stop him.
Di Salvo’s team, spearheaded by Bayern Munich’s Tom Bischof, continued to dominate after the early lead; the technically limited Northern Irish posed little threat. The second goal was preceded by a precise cross from Brajan Gruda of RB Leipzig, who did not play in the second half.