Germany face Italy in Nations League quarters, Spain take Netherlands

The Nations League draw on Friday set up two blockbusters clashes in the quarter-finals, with in-form Germany taking Italy and defending champions Spain facing the Netherlands, reported dpa.

"Germany are a very strong team, with great tradition. The two matches are going to be difficult, but we will take our chances because we're convinced we can do well," Italy assistant coach was quoted in a statement from the Italian federation FIGC.

The other two match-ups are Denmark v Portugal and last season's runners-up Croatia v France.

Spain, France and Portugal will be chasing their second title in the tournament, while Germany and Denmark will be aiming to reach the final four for the first time.

Germany have found their good form under coach Julian Nagelsmann and he stressed several times that the Nations League title is an important interim goal ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a great opponent, that is slowly finding their old strength," Nagelsmann said.

The quarter-final round will be contested for the first time since the tournament's inaugural edition in the 2020-21 season. The first leg will be played on March 20, with the second leg taking place three days later.

The four winners advance to the final four.