Interim Netherlands manager Dwight Lodeweges maintains his team is ‘very similar’ to Italy, as ‘we both want to take the initiative and control the game.’

They go head-to-head in the Nations League in Amsterdam on Monday, kicking off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Lodeweges was promoted on a temporary basis from the role of assistant manager after Ronald Koeman left to take over at Barcelona.

Interim Netherlands manager Dwight Lodeweges maintains his team is ‘very similar’ to Italy, as ‘we both want to take the initiative and control the game.’

They go head-to-head in the Nations League in Amsterdam on Monday, kicking off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Lodeweges was promoted on a temporary basis from the role of assistant manager after Ronald Koeman left to take over at Barcelona.

“We are talking about a real top team that has completely changed its style of football compared to a few years ago,” said Lodeweges in his press conference.

“We are very similar sides, as we both want to take the initiative and control the game. We could end up seeing a very interesting match.”

The Dutch are currently top of their group, having beaten Poland 1-0 in the opening fixture, while Italy drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“We played quite well against Poland. They have a strong team, with good players, but they came to play very defensively. It was difficult to play through it. It will be extremely interesting against Italy. They play a bit like us.”

There are reports that Henk ten Cate will be the more permanent choice to lead the Netherlands.

“I saw him as a player at Go Ahead Eagles. But I haven't spoken to Henk for a long time. He has developed, went to Barcelona and Chelsea. A good career, but I don't know if he will come to the Oranje. That is up to the management.”

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