Netherlands vs Italy: A Clash for UEFA Nations League Third Place

In a highly anticipated clash for third place in the UEFA Nations League 2023, the Netherlands and Italy are set to collide on Sunday, June 18th. Following heartbreak in the semi-finals, both teams are determined to end their campaign on a positive note. The Netherlands’ unbeaten run was halted in a thrilling 4-2 defeat against Croatia, while Italy suffered a devastating 2-1 loss to Spain, dashing their hopes of clinching the tournament title.

A Battle of Giants: Netherlands vs Italy

With a rich history of intense encounters, including a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Nations League 2020, this match promises to showcase the competitive spirit and skill of two European football giants. Fans can anticipate an excitingbattle as the Netherlands and Italy vie for pride and a podium finish in the prestigious Nations League.

Key Details of the Match

**Kick-Off:** Sunday, 18 June 2023, 1:00 PM (GMT); 6:30 PM (IST)
**Stadium:** De Grolsch Veste, Netherlands

Form Guide

Both teams have had mixed fortunes in recent matches. The Netherlands’ form in all competitions has seen them alternate between victories and losses, with their most recent match resulting in a defeat. Italy, too, have experienced a similar pattern in their performances. However, both teams possess immense talent and will be looking to deliver a memorable performance in this crucial encounter.

– Netherlands (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-W
– Italy (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Noa Lang (Netherlands)

Noa Lang’s impressive volley in the dying minutes of the semi-finals forced Croatia to battle for more than 30 minutes. Although the match ended with a 4-2 victory for Croatia, Lang’s exceptional performance provided a significant boost to his confidence. With eight goals and five assists in 28 Belgian first-tier league games, Lang has been a standout performer. In the Nations League, he has already found the net twice in three appearances.

Nicolò Barella (Italy)

Nicolò Barella, an influential player for Inter Milan, will be looking to outshine the Dutch defense in the third-place match. He played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s Champions League campaign, where they reached the finals before losing to Manchester City. With eight goals and seven assists in 35 Serie A outings, Barella has established himself as a key contributor. In the UEFA Nations League 2023, he has already registered one goal and will be eager to add to his tally.

Head-to-Head and Match Facts

The Netherlands and Italy have a long-standing football rivalry, having faced each other numerous times in UEFA competitions. Out of the six encounters in UEFA competitions, Italy has emerged victorious in three matches, while the Netherlands secured two wins. The last meeting between these teams in the Nations League resulted in a 1-1 draw in 2020.

– Netherlands wins: 1
– Italy wins: 5
– Draws: 4

After suffering a 1-0 loss to Italy in the 2020 Nations League, the Netherlands enjoyed an unbeaten run of ten games. However, Croatia ended that streak in the World Cup 2020, where they eventually became the champions by defeating Argentina.

Injury and Team News

Both teams will face crucial decisions regarding their lineups due to the limited recovery time before the match. The Netherlands, having engaged in a grueling 120-minute battle against Croatia, may consider giving significant playing time to players such as Mark Flekken, Sven Botman, and Noa Lang, who made notable contributions in the previous game.

Italy’s manager, Roberto Mancini, will also need to carefully manage his team’s lineup, considering the demanding schedule and recovery time. Leonardo Bonucci, who faced difficulties in the previous match against Spain and was substituted at halftime, will be a key decision for Mancini. The overall team performance will guide his choices for this crucial match.

Predicted Lineups

**Netherlands predicted lineup (4-3-3):**
Bijlow (GK); Dumfries, Van Dijk, Botman, Malacia; Wieffer, Wijnaldum, De Jong; Malen, Gakpo, Lang

**Italy predicted lineup (3-5-2):**
Donnarumma (GK); Acerbi, Toloi, Bon