Germany notched a 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in their first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals on Thursday.

Both sides had a long list of absentees, with Italy losing Serie A's leading scorer Mateo Retegui, Federico Dimarco and Andrea Cambiaso to injury, while Germany had to do without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz.

Italy broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Nicolo Barella's smart pass released Matteo Politano to pull back, and the ball deflected into the path of Sandro Tonali to smash home.

Despite Germany dominating ball possession, it was Italy that created genuine chances when Tonali's scorcher tested goalkeeper Oliver Baumann in the 30th minute, moments before Moise Kean sprung the offside trap but only saw his attempt denied by Baumann again.

The visitors got back on level terms straight after the break when Joshua Kimmich assisted unmarked substitute Tim Kleindienst for a header.

Italy wasted two opportunities in quick succession afterwards, as Tonali's back-heel flick went for Kean, who blasted it over the bar, while Baumann stuck out a foot to deny Giacomo Raspadori's effort.

Germany turned the game around in the 76th minute, as Kimmich was involved again when his corner set up Leon Goretzka to steer in another header.

The Azzurri had chances to avoid the home defeat, but Baumann played heroics to keep the scoreline down.

Germany hosts Italy in Dortmund in the second leg on Sunday.