Timo Werner stars as Germany thrash Italy to end winless run

Coach Hansi Flick extends his unbeaten record

Germany's Joshua Kimmich scores the opening goal in Germany's 5-2 victory against Italy. AP

Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the second for Germany. AFP

Thomas Muller of Germany celebrates after scoring the third. Getty

Timo Werner scores Germany's fourth goal. Getty

Timo Werner, right, is congratulated by Thomas Muller. AP

Timo Werner celebrates scoring the fifth goal with teammate David Raum. Getty

Wilfried Gnonto pulled a goal back for Italy. EPA

Alessandro Bastoni scored Italy's second in the 5-2 defeat. Getty

Germany demolished Italy 5-2 with a sparkling display of attacking football to end a four-game winless run and stretch their unbeaten record under coach Hansi Flick.

In Germany's best performance under Flick, Timo Werner struck twice after goals from Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan and Thomas Muller had put them in the driving seat.

It was Germany's first Nations League win in four matches, and the first for Flick, unbeaten in 13 matches since taking over last year, against a top European nation. They had drawn against Italy 10 days ago.

Flick's team had struggled in a 1-1 draw against Hungary last week after also drawing against England and Italy earlier this month.

They had also drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands in a friendly international in March.

Germany captain Manuel Neuer had promised fireworks from the start and both teams had chances to score in a pulsating beginning.

It was Germany who struck first when Kimmich charged into the box and tapped in a David Raum cutback in the 10th minute.

The hosts then upped the pace, attacking with a burst of passing moves against Italy's untested side with Jonas Hofmann and Werner going close for the Germans.

On the stroke of halftime, Gundogan stabbed in a penalty to give them a two-goal cushion.

With Italy coach Roberto Mancini making two substitutions, Italy looked livelier after the break.

Yet the Germans struck against the run of play with Muller rifling in following a clearance from the Italian defence, to take the wind out of the visitors' sails.

Werner also got on the scoresheet, sliding in to connect with a Serge Gnabry assist in the 68th minute and then added another a minute later when Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's pass was intercepted.

Wilfried Gnonto pulled one back with his first international goal, becoming the youngest scorer for Italy at the age of 18, and Alessandro Bastoni added a second to deny the Germans a record winning margin over them.