For the first 7 minutes of the half, Italy never maintained more than 10 seconds of possession at a time as Germany controlled the game expertly and pressed hard whenever they lost possession.
But the home side was never really concerned about possession as they knew the Germans were likely to see more of the ball even before kick-off.
The noise in the San Siro built in crashing waves, a restless hum that pressed down on the pitch. Italy sat in a compact block, eyes fixed, patient. Germany stroked the ball across the back, Groß dropping to receive, Goretzka checking his shoulder, Kimmich scanning. It felt balanced, but not safe. One loose touch and the crowd would pounce.
And that opportunity for Italy came in the 8th minute.
It started with Barella stepping in. Adeyemi tried to roll him on the turn near the right touchline. Barella read it, nicked the ball clean, and burst into space.
"Trouble for Germany here," Derek Rae warned. "Barella wins it, and Italy are away."
