An Analysis of the Netherlands vs. Italy Line-ups in the Nations League

Italy will revert back to their tried and tested 4-3-3 formation as they face the Netherlands in the third-place playoff of the Nations League. The match will take place at the De Grolsche Veste Stadium in Enschede at 14:00 UK time (13:00 GMT). The Azzurri, who finished in third place in the 2021 edition of the Nations League, will be looking to secure another bronze medal against the host nation.

If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout. Italy‘s manager, Roberto Mancini, admitted that his decision to switch to a 3-5-2 formation resulted in a 2-1 defeat to Spain, and he will now return to the more familiar 4-3-3 formation with a completely revamped squad. Mancini has made seven changes to the starting XI, including the inclusion of Mateo Retegui, Giacomo Raspadori, and Willy Gnonto. Marco Verratti will also return to the midfield, and Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno will make his debut.

Despite the absence of Alessandro Bastoni and the fitness concerns surrounding Lorenzo Pellegrini, this is arguably the lineup that fans had hoped Mancini would use against Spain. Italy has a strong record against the Netherlands, having only lost one of their last 16 matches against the Oranje, with their only defeat coming in June 2008 with a score of 3-0.

On the other hand, the Netherlands suffered a 4-2 defeat in extra time to Croatia in the semi-final. Their manager, Ronald Koeman, has lost two of his three games in charge, including a 4-0 loss to France in a EURO 2024 qualifier. However, the side still boasts familiar faces such as Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries and Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

Netherlands: Bijlow; Dumfries, Geertruida, Van Dijk, Aké; Wieffer, F. De Jong, Simons; Malen, Gakpo, Lang

Italy: Donnarumma; Toloi, Acerbi, Buongiorno, Dimarco; Frattesi, Cristante, Verratti; Raspadori, Retegui, Gnonto

It is expected to be an exciting match between two talented teams. Italy will be hoping to bounce back after their defeat to Spain and finish the competition on a high note, while the Netherlands will be aiming to end Ronald Koeman’s tenure with a victory.

Player Statistics:

1st Half:
– 6′ Federico Dimarco (Assist: Giacomo Raspadori)
– 20′ Davide Frattesi (Assist: Wilfried Gnonto)
– 34′ Federico Dimarco

2nd Half:
– Steven Bergwijn 68′
– 72′ Federico Chiesa (Assist: Davide Frattesi)
– Georginio Wijnaldum (Assist: Joey Veerman)
– 89′ Wout Weghorst
– 90+2′ Nicolò Barella
– 90+4′ Francesco Acerbi

Match Statistics:
– Possession: Netherlands 61% – Italy 39%
– Total Shots: Netherlands 19 – Italy 13
– Shots on Target: Netherlands 6 – Italy 3
– Shots off Target: Netherlands 4 – Italy 5
– Blocked Shots: Netherlands 9 – Italy 5
– Corners: Netherlands 9 – Italy 3
– Offsides: Netherlands 1 – Italy 0
– Fouls: Netherlands 15 – Italy 16

Both teams have named strong starting lineups, and it promises to be an enthralling contest. With possession tightly contested and both teams having their fair share of shots on target, the match could go either way. The number of fouls committed by both teams indicates that it will be a hard-fought battle on the pitch.

Advice for Italy:
Italy‘s return to the 4-3-3 formation should provide them with more attacking options and stability in defense. The inclusion of Mateo Retegui, Giacomo Raspadori, and Willy Gnonto will add pace and creativity to their attacking play. Marco Verratti’s presence in the midfield will provide Italy with greater control of the game, while the debut of Alessandro Buongiorno will test his abilities in defense.

Advice for the Netherlands:
The Netherlands will need to make adjustments after their defeat to Croatia in the semi-final. They will have to find a way to neutralize Italy‘s attacking threats and make better use of their possession. Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners will be key players for the Netherlands, and they will need to step up and provide leadership and creativity on the pitch.

In Conclusion:
The third-place playoff between Italy and the Netherlands promises to be an exciting match. Both teams have made changes to their lineups, and it will be interesting to see how they perform. Italy‘s return to the 4-3-3 formation should provide them with a more balanced attack, while the Netherlands will aim to bounce back from their defeat in the semi-finals. With both teams possessing talented players, the match has the potential to be a thrilling encounter.