Time to deliver! Misfiring Germans need a confidence boost against European champions

When the biggest tournament in football is just around the corner, you need quality players, you need injuries to stay clear of your squad, and you really need the morale levels to be as high as possible. That is the idea of Germany coach Hansi Flick tonight!

There will be a sold-out Borussia Park in Monchengladbach screaming and roaring their national team against the reigning European champions Italy. Flick knows that only a victory would get the nation back in the mood following the disappointing 1-1 draw in Hungary at the weekend.

In fact, the Germans have had four 1-1 draws in a row. It's hardly enough to give millions of fans confidence going into the big event in Qatar. However, beating old rivals Italy would give them that much-needed boost.

The former Bayern coach faces pressure to deliver for the first time since taking over Die Mannschaft.

"Wins are always important for a team and improve your self-confidence and belief in your strength. We have to throw everything in there."

Unlike their hosts, the Italians don't need to worry about Qatar, having failed to qualify. They are top of the group going into the match, but coach Roberto Mancini doesn't seem too fussed about keeping it. Tonight, he's likely to field a few younger players to keep everyone fit.

"I will pick fresh players. We're heading into the last game in the space of a couple of weeks. Germany plays well, maybe even better than in the past. They have many talented players, and they are excellent on the ball. They press high and are very aggressive. It's going to be a big test for us."

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

LEAGUE A

Sunday

Switzerland - Portugal 1-0 (1-0)

/Seferovic 1/

Spain - Czech R. 2-0 (1-0)

/Soler 24, Sarabia 75/

Monday

Denmark - Austria 2-0 (2-0)

/Wind 21, Skov Olsen 37/

France - Croatia 0-1 (0-1)

/Modric 5 pen/

Tuesday

21.45: (1.32) England (5.40) Hungary (12.0)

21.45: (1.85) Germany (3.70) Italy (4.60)

***odds are subject to change