Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Italy beat Netherlands in Nations League play-off, increasing pressure on Koeman

Posted : 18 June 2023
Italy defeated the Netherlands in the Nations League play-off, adding further pressure on Dutch manager Ronald Koeman.

Italy's early goals from Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi gave them the upper hand, although Steven Bergwijn managed to pull one back for the Netherlands.

However, Federico Chiesa sealed the victory for Italy. In a late surge, Georginio Wijnaldum scored to make it 2-3, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

The defeat signifies Koeman's third loss out of four games since taking charge again.
 
The match in Enschede saw Italy take an early lead after just six minutes when Dimarco initiated a move with a deep cross, then received a pass from Giacomo Raspadori's backheel and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner past Justin Bijlow.

Frattesi extended Italy's advantage on the 20th minute, capitalizing on a deflection from a shot by Wilfried Gnonto. Despite a lengthy VAR check for potential offside and handball, the goal was upheld.
 
The Netherlands faced discontent from their home crowd and missed a promising opportunity late in the first half when Cody Gakpo chipped the ball wide from close range.

Midway through the second half, they managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1, as Bergwijn skillfully controlled a deep cross before firing a left-footed shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Italy swiftly responded with Chiesa scoring a composed finish across Bijlow after a quick counter-attack, restoring their two-goal lead.
 
In a tense finale with nine minutes of added time, Wijnaldum's goal reignited hopes for the Netherlands, but the European champions, Italy, held on to secure third place.

Koeman's return as the Netherlands' manager has been challenging, as this defeat follows a 4-0 loss to France in Euro 2024 qualifying and a 4-2 extra-time defeat against Croatia in the Nations League semi-final earlier in the week.
 

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :