Full TimePosted at 90’+9′ Second Half ends, Netherlands 2, Italy 3.Post updateAttempt missed. Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Donyell Malen.Post updateAttempt saved. Donyell Malen (Netherlands) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Georginio Wijnaldum.
Italy Beat Netherlands in Nations League Play-Off, Piling Pressure on Dutch Boss Ronald Koeman
The Netherlands were dealt a blow as Italy beat them 3-2 in the Nations League play-off, piling pressure on Dutch boss Ronald Koeman. Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi scored in the opening 20 minutes and, though Steven Bergwijn pulled a goal back, Federico Chiesa sealed the win. Georginio Wijnaldum made it 2-3 late on, but the defeat means Koeman has lost three of the first four games of his second spell in charge.
## Italy Take Early Lead
Italy took the lead in Enschede after just six minutes, left-back Dimarco starting the move with a deep cross before making a run into the area, being found by Giacomo Raspadori’s backheel and firing a crisp shot into the top corner past Justin Bijlow. On 20 minutes, Frattesi slotted home after a Wilfried Gnonto shot deflected into his path. It was followed by a lengthy VAR check for offside and handball against Frattesi, but the goal stood.
## Netherlands Miss Chances
The Netherlands, who were booed by an unimpressed home crowd, wasted their best chance late in the first half when Cody Gakpo chipped the ball wide from about 12 yards. They pulled the score back to 2-1 midway through the second half, Bergwijn smartly taking down a deep cross before firing left-footed past Gianluigi Donnarumma, however Chiesa restored Italy’s two-goal lead with a cool finish across Bijlow following a quick counter-attack.
## Grandstand Finish
Wijnaldum fired into the roof of the net to ensure a grandstand finish with nine minutes of added time, however European champions Italy managed to hold on for third place. Koeman returned as manager of the Netherlands after the 2022 World Cup but has endured a stuttering start to his second spell. This result follows a 4-0 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat by France and the 4-2 extra-time loss to Croatia in the Nations League semi-final on Wednesday.
## Croatia Face Spain in Nations League Final
Croatia face Spain in the Nations League final later on Sunday. With Spain favourites to win, Italy’s victory over the Netherlands means they have secured third place in the tournament. The result will come as a disappointment for Koeman and his team, who had been hoping to secure second place and a spot in next year’s UEFA Nations League Finals.