Germany’s Mario Goetze celebrates a goal in a friendly against Italy at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday. The hosts won 4-1. (Photo: AP)
Mario Goetze brushed off a frustrating season on Bayern Munich’s bench to net in Germany’s 4-1 thumping of Italy as the world champions redeemed their England defeat.
Goetze, who scored the winner in the 2014 World Cup final, netted Germany’s second goal against Italy at Bayern’s Allianz Arena in Munich after Toni Kroos had put the hosts ahead on Tuesday.
Defender Jonas Hector and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil netted in the second-half before replacement Stephan El Shaarawy scored Italy’s late consolation goal.
“All-in-all, we put in a smart performance, defended well and did well in attack,” said visibly relieved Germany coach Joachim Loew.
The win, Germany’s first over Italy for 21 years, boosts confidence four days after losing 3-2 to England in Berlin.
“Today we saw what happens when when we go out on the pitch with the right mentality,” pointed out defender Mats Hummels.
Goetze put himself in the shop window with a goal-scoring performance in his 50th international.
With a year left on his Bayern contract, Goetze is weighing up his options after just four starts this season under Pep Guardiola.
For next season, he has been linked to Liverpool, to work again with Jurgen Klopp, or a return to Borussia Dortmund, who Bayern paid 37 million euros ($41.8m) for him in 2013.
“I’m just very happy,” said Goetze, who refused to say where he will be playing next season.
“For me it’s just important to play again. I’ve missed it and it was great that the coach trusted in me.
“It was a great feeling to be on the pitch again.”
This was Germany’s first win over Italy since 1995.
