Kroos helps Germany squeeze past Italy

A stunning goal by Toni Kroos gave Germany a 1-0 friendly win against fellow UEFA European Under-21 Championship finalists Italy in Osnabruck.

Kroos the difference
In Germany's first match under interim coach Horst Hrubesch, Kroos' effort just after half-time was enough to separate the sides. However, Italy started and finished the game strongly with coach Pierluigi Casiraghi using the game to explore several different options, making no less than seven substitutions.

Snuffed out
Playing in front of a crowd of 10,000, the visitors began well, but while they dominated possession, they struggled to convert their territorial superiority into clear-cut chances. By the time the game had reached the half-hour mark, Germany had got into their stride and FC Bayern München midfielder Kroos hit the crossbar after unleashing a 25-metre drive. Italy's best chance of the opening period came just before the interval, but FC Schalke 04 goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann snuffed out the danger.

Open game
Three minutes into the second half, Kroos was again afforded the space to fire a long-range effort goalwards, and this time his arcing right-foot shot found the top corner of the net. The goal livened up proceedings, although the raft of replacements made by Italy also contributed to making the game more open. Midway through the half, Lorenzo De Silvestri struck his own post under pressure from Sandro Wagner. Fabiano Santacroce passed up an excellent chance to equalise 13 minutes from time when he hit the outside of a post following a lapse by Fährmann, and both sides went close to adding to the scoreline in an exciting finale.

Germany: Fährmann; Beck, Schwaab, Höwedes, Aogo; Castro, J. Boateng (Adlung, 78); Özil (Ede, 67), Steinhöfer (Johnson, 46); Kroos; Dejagah (S. Wagner, 18).

Italy: Sirigu; M. Motta (De Silvestri, 46), Andreolli (Bocchetti, 59), Santacroce, Criscito (Candreva, 46); Dessena (Di Gennaro, 80), Bolzoni (Bottone, 64), De Ceglie; Lanzafame (Cerci, 46), Balotelli (Paloschi, 80), Giovinco.