Ignazio Abate insists Italy deserved their 1-1 draw in Holland despite not putting in the greatest of performances.

The Dutch dominated for most of the game, but a late Azzurri revival saw Marco Verratti net an injury-time equaliser.

Ignazio Abate insists Italy deserved their 1-1 draw in Holland despite not putting in the greatest of performances.

The Dutch dominated for most of the game, but a late Azzurri revival saw Marco Verratti net an injury-time equaliser.

“I think we did OK,” the Milan right-back commented. “We suffered a bit out there, but we got the result that we merited.

“We struggled a lot in building up play during the first half, but we did well in patches.”

Italy began the game with an ineffective 4-3-3 before switching to their more familiar 4-3-1-2 shape.

“Tactical difficulties? They have players who are really good on the ball, but we were certain that we could cause them problems if we played at the right tempo.”

Italy’s next test will be next month against World Cup hosts Brazil.

“It will be a fascinating encounter against a really great side,” Abate added. “But we have the qualities to impose our style of play.”

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