UEFA Nations League: Italy Finishes Third After Beating Dutch Hosts
Italy claimed the bronze medal at the UEFA Nations League finals after a 3-2 victory against the Dutch hosts in Sunday’s third place playoff tie at the Twente Stadium in Enschede, Netherlands.
Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead.
But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break, laying siege to Italy’s goal and seeing Steven Bergwijn pull a goal back in the 68th minute.
Federico Chiesa restored the two goal advantage at the end of a 73rd minute counterattack but there was an exciting conclusion as Georginio Wijnaldum got a second for the Dutch in the 89th. But even though nine minutes of stoppage time was added on, Italy held out under home pressure for victory.
Our #NationsLeague campaign ends with a W. 🇮🇹#NEDITA #NationsLeague #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/G8tQvzdZq6
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 18, 2023
Wijnaldum’s late goal renewed hopes of a comeback but it was not to be for the Dutch, who had high hopes of home success in the tournament, but were beaten 4-2 in extra time by Croatia in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
Italy lost to a last-minute goal in their semi-final against Spain on Thursday. Croatia and Spain contest the final in Rotterdam later on Sunday.
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