Italy overcome Netherlands in five-goal thriller, finish third in UEFA Nations League

Italy showed great resolve to defeat Netherlands 3-2 and finish third in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, ending their campaign on a high note.

After losing to Spain and Croatia respectively, Italy and Netherlands faced off in the third-place match looking to save face.

The Azzurri got off to the best possible start when Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco latched onto a backheel from Giacomo Raspadori and drilled home a shot into the top corner after only six minutes.

One became two in the 20th minute when Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi found himself free in the box after a deflected shot from Wilfried Gnonto fell into his path. The midfielder slotted home for his first international goal for Italy.

Netherlands pulled one back midway through the second half when substitute Steven Bergwijn showed great composure in the box before finding the bottom corner in the 68th minute.

Four minutes later, Italy restored their two-goal cushion through Federico Chiesa, who was introduced off the bench. The Juventus man ran onto a pass from Frattesi before finishing past Justin Bijlow from a tight angle.

Netherlands thought they had pulled one back through Wout Weghorst, only for the offside flag to cut short their celebrations. There were no such problems in the 89th minute, however, when Georginio Wijnaldum finished off a pass from Joey Veerman.

Italy finished their UEFA Nations League campaign in third place and the Azzurri have some respite. For Netherlands, manager Ronald Koeman is under pressure after losing three of his four games in charge of the team.