Germany shattered their series of draws with a convincing 5-2 win over hapless Italy on Tuesday to end the Nations League window on a high and make a small bit of history in the process.
Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gündogan from the penalty spot, Thomas Müller and Timo Werner twice found the net as Germany scored more than once against the Italians in a competitive game for just the second time.
And the goals earned Germany a maiden competitive win in regulation over their old rivals with their only previous triumph coming on penalties at Euro 2016.
Germany are second in top-tier Group A3 and next host Hungary, surprise leaders after a remarkable 4-0 win in England, on September 23. They then conclude at current bottom side England three days later.
Third-placed Italy, who failed to reach the World Cup, are in a transition phase as coach Roberto Mancini tries to replace several old stars who won the Euros last year, were far from competitive.
Teenager Wilfried Gnonto did pull one back with 12 minutes to go and Alessandro Bastoni headed in a corner deep into injury-time but it made little difference overall.
