Netherlands vs Italy Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 UEFA Nations League – Third Place Play-Off
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THE FACTS
When is Netherlands vs Italy on and what time does it start? Netherlands vs Italy will take place on Sunday 18th June, 2023 – 14:00 (UK)
Where is Netherlands vs Italy taking place? Netherlands vs Italy will take place at De Grolsch Veste in Enschede, Netherlands
Where can I get tickets for Netherlands vs Italy? Ticket information for Netherlands vs Italy can be found on each country’s national team website
What channel is Netherlands vs Italy on in the UK? Premier Sports have the rights to televise UEFA Nations League matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Netherlands vs Italy
Where can I stream Netherlands vs Italy in the UK? If Netherlands vs Italy is televised on Premier Sports, subscribers will be able to stream the match live on Premier Player
THE LOWDOWN
NETHERLANDS
Netherlands will have expected to qualify through to the 2022-23 Nations League final, rather than having to compete in the third-place play-off, particularly with home advantage being in their favour across the finals stage. However, after leading at half-time, the Dutch defence fell apart in their semi-final clash with Croatia, conceding twice in the second half, which left them needing a last-gasp equaliser to force extra time. That proved merely a stay of execution, as Ronald Koeman’s side were breached twice more in the additional 30 minutes, eventually losing 2-4.
For a team containing Virgil van Dijk at the heart of its defence, Netherlands will have been desperately disappointed with their performance and how they let a lead slip, the opening goal having been scored by Donyell Malen. Noa Lang came off the bench to equalise, but ultimately Netherlands had no answer to Croatia’s midfield and the result was hugely disappointing for the vast crowd in Rotterdam, who would have expected so much better.
ITALY
Italy started slowly against Spain in their semi-final and paid the price as the Spaniards took an early lead. However, the response of the Azzurri was good and they levelled soon after from the penalty spot, Ciro Immobile the scorer. That was the way it stayed for a long period of time with extra time in consecutive semi-finals looking more than likely. However, there was a sting in the tail for Italy as Spain struck a late winner, such a disappoint for the European champions, who are often famed for their solid backline. But lapses in concentration at the respective first and final few minutes of this semi-final ultimately cost them.
Roberto Mancini won’t be happy at this opportunity to win another trophy fall by the wayside, especially after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It won’t be easy to pick his side back up for a third-placed play-off, especially after the players have endured such a long season for their respective clubs. A number of Italian players will have featured in the UEFA Champions League final for Inter Milan, who were beaten by Man City and could well be turning their thoughts to a well-deserved summer holiday.
THE TEAM NEWS
NETHERLANDS
Matthijs de Ligt was heavily missed against Croatia and won’t feature again having not been named in Netherlands’ Nations League finals squad due to injury. Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to partner Van Dijk in defence once again in what could be an unchanged back four. After coming off the bench to score the equalising goal which forced extra time in the semi-final, Noa Lang may well be rewarded with a starting birth this time round, with Xavi Simons potentially making way.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Bijlow; Dumfries, Geertruida, Van Dijk, Ake; Wieffer, De Jong, Koopmeiners; Malen, Gakpo, Lang
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: De Ligt (Injured)
ITALY
A number of players left on the bench by Roberto Mancini for the semi-final defeat could well be brought into the Italy starting line-up for this one. This includes Marco Verratti, Bryan Cristante in midfield. After being taken off at half-time, centre-back Leonardo Bonucci could be afforded a rest here, despite being captain. Striker Ciro Immobile may keep his place in the team after scoring the Azzurri’s only goal against Spain.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Darmian, Toloi, Acerbi; Di Lorenzo, Verratti, Jorginho, Cristante, Spinazzola; Zaniolo, Immobile
UNAVAILABLE: Berardi (Injured), Pessina (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Whilst both head coaches have expressed differently in their respective press conference, motivation is sure to be low for both nations going into this one. A third-placed play-off is hardly going to appeal to either set of players, but it may release the shackles from an attacking perspective with no pressure on the shoulders of anyone. When also taking into account the defensive frailties shown by each team across the semi-finals, it would be no surprise to see plenty of goalmouth action over the course of this match. It’s well worth backing over 2.5 goals to be scored regardless of the final outcome.
TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
