Nagelsmann's Germany out to build winning mentality

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasised the importance of building a winning mentality ahead of their clash against Italy at San Siro on Thursday.

The match will be the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal with the return to be played on Sunday at Signal Iduna Park.

"I have often said that it is important for us to get accustomed to winning," Nagelsmann told a press conference on Wednesday.

"We want to win as many games as possible and win the Nations League, but we also know that we are up against a very strong opponent in Italy. We must beat them first, then we can talk about potentially winning the trophy."

Germany have struggled to find a permanent goalkeeper since veteran Manuel Neuer retired from the national team after 15 years in August.

After first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a long-term injury in September playing for Barcelona, both VfB Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel and Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann have been given a chance to impress and Baumann will start against Italy.

"Alex (Nubel) handled the decision very professionally, which I found very, very positive. In the end, it was a very close call. Both are having good seasons, both are at a good, consistent level," Nagelsmann said.

"Oli (Baumann) is a bit more consistent at this level. We told both of them that it was for these two games because we also have a top goalkeeper in Marc (ter Stegen), and then we'll make a new decision after these games."

The match at San Siro will draw over 3 500 Germany fans to Milan, which Nagelsmann sees as a sign of trust in his side.

"It's a huge compliment to the team. They've established a good connection with the fans again," he said.

"I interpret it that way, and I think both away and home games have their appeal. But if we can lean on 3 500 fans for the away game, that helps a lot."