A memorable feat, won with desire even during the difficulties encountered in the 90 minutes, and for this reason absolutely deserved. Italy won 2-1 at the Ruhrstadion in Bochum, beating a Germany that recently won at Wembley and in a resounding 6-0 victory over Switzerland. Bonfantini scored in the first half, and in the second half, Cantore's sealed the win, which was in the balance after Rauch's momentary equalizer. After the 1-1 draw with Spain, world champions, the Azzurre closed the year with another masterpiece, dedicated to Bove and scored in front of the FIGC secretary general Brunelli, who was the first to congratulate this talented group, by now accustomed to such evenings.

‘We played the match we wanted against an opponent of the highest level,' said the coach at the end of the match. 'Our spirit was commendable, we are very happy with what the girls gave today and what they are giving every day on the pitch. I need to also thank the great work of the clubs, making the whole movement grow. We do not want to set ourselves limits, our path of growth is based on awareness and a match like this will be very useful to make the players understand what they can aspire to.’

THE MATCH: ‘Forza Edo.’ The evening in Bochum opened with the Italy players displaying a shirt dedicated to Bove during the traditional pre-match photo, symbolically embraced by the delegation in Germany and by the large Azzurre family, all united alongside the Fiorentina talent.

A moment accompanied by the applause from the Italy bench and the coach, who for kept eight out of eleven from the line-up a month ago against world champions Spain. What changed was the offensive trio, formed today by Bonfantini, Cambiaghi and Beccari, who scored against the Iberians. Midfield duties were entrusted to Giugliano and Caruso, supported on the wings by Bergamaschi and Boattin. In defence, in front of the goal defended by Giuliani, captain Linari, Lenzini and Di Guglielmo. Germany made lots of chances compared to Friday's 6-0 win against Switzerland: Mahmutovic in goal, while three of the four Zurich players started from the bench, the only one lined up being Freigang, moving behind Hoffmann, the only forward.

Soncin's team, which defended in a row of five without the ball, had to contain the home team's initial attack, spurred on by the crowd. Italy attacked dangerously in the 6th minute with an attempt from the distance by Cambiaghi and, five minutes later, took the lead: a poor clearance by Linder was intercepted by the Inter forward, who pretended to shoot and then served Bonfantini, who was able to get past the German goalkeeper with a comfortable right-footed shot and thus find her third goal for Italy. Germany, wounded, pressed hard on the accelerator, exploiting especially the right wing where the energy from captain Gwinn was inexhaustible. They were, however, forced to deal with Boattin and Beccari, who were ready to double up on any opponent.

The second half opened with a great save by Giuliani on Buhl. Six minutes after, however, the Azzurre's no. 1 failed to keep Rauch's close header out of the nets, making it 1-1 and energising the Germans. In the following minutes, Wück's eleven came close to doubling the scoreline several times, but without quite finding the target. Around 60 minutes in, Soncin replaced Beccari and Bonfantini with Cantore and Bonansea, and shortly afterwards the German coach brought in Zicai and Schüller, key players three days ago against the Swiss. But the spotlight was taken by Cantore this time. It was her - with her goal for the Azzurre - who gave Italy the renewed lead. A goal born from stubbornness, as she snatched the ball from the feet of Mahmutovic, who was dribbling on the goal line.

In the final minutes, Schüller hit the near post, and Schatzer's 25-metre attempt proved to be futile. Italy retreated but did not slip up, defending with order and repelling the final German attacks. After 5 minutes of added time, there was the shout of joy from the entire Italian team as today's feat ends the extraordinary year of 2024 for Soncin's Italy. The Nations League will resume in February, before the eagerly-awaired EURO 2025.

GERMANY 1-2 ITALY (HT 0-1)

Germany (4-2-3-1): Mahmutovic; Gwinn (88' Wolter), Doorsoun, Linder (46' Kleinherne), Rauch; Senß (70' Dallmann), Minge (46' Gräwe); Endemann, Freigang, Bühl (62' Zicai); Hoffmann (62' Schüller). Unused subs: Winkler, Borggräfe, Hendrich, Nüsken, Şehitler, Cerci. Coach: Wück

Italy (3-4-3): Giuliani; Di Guglielmo, Lenzini, Linari; Bergamaschi (79' Greggi), Caruso (79' Oliviero), Giugliano (79' Schatzer), Boattin; Bonfantini (57' Cantore), Cambiaghi (88' Giacinti), Beccari (57' Bonansea). Unused subs: Durante, Shore, D'Auria, Filangeri, Piga, Soffia, Dragoni, Nischler, Severini. Coach: Soncin

Goals: 11' Bonfantini (I), 51' Rauch (G), 74' Cantore (I)

Referee: Frappart (Fra). Assistants: Soriano (Fra) and Coppola (Fra). Fourth official: Daupeux (Fra).

Notes: Di Guglielmo (I), Giuliani (I), Wück (G) booked. Spectators: 15,125.