The 2023 UEFA Nations League finals draw to a close this weekend and these Netherlands vs. Italy predictions look forward to a clash between two sides that would probably rather not be playing at all. The third and fourth place play-off game is rarely enjoyed by those involved.
Netherlands vs. Italy odds
1 – Netherlands to win – 5/4
2 – Over 2.5 goals scored – 8/11
3 – Both teams to score – 8/13
4 – Davide Frattesi to score at anytime – 15/4
5 – Netherlands to score over 1.5 goals – 1/1
Both these sides will have thought that they had done enough to be playing in the Nations League final this weekend, rather than this consolation game. The Netherlands more than Italy perhaps, after leading in their semi-final against Croatia and then scoring what should have been a morale-boosting equaliser in stoppage time.
But the Oranje will now finish no higher than third in the competition and may well have to rely on their fans getting excited about that prospect in Enschede on Sunday. Losing to Croatia in extra time will have sapped the players mentally, as well as physically.
Ronald Koeman will hope that his players can give it their all one last time in this competition – and for the season – before resuming their European Championship qualification against Greece in September. A lack of importance surrounding this game may mean that the fans get to see a few goals at least.
Robert Mancini will be drumming into his players how seriously they should be taking this game after the disappointments of recent years. A late Spanish goal meant that the Azzurri missed out on the final, to be held later on Sunday, even though they did look good for large chunks of that semi-final.
Davide Frattesi was a particular problem for Spain and he could be the one to find the net at some point this weekend. Ciro Immobile will be the favourite of many to score the goals, but the Sassuolo midfielder looks like a better value option.
It may all end gloomily for Italy and Mancini though. The Netherlands will have their fans behind them and the Azzurri may well allow the game to run away from them if the home side grab a few goals early on. Then all eyes will be on the next qualifying game in a couple of months – and the potential for revenge against North Macedonia.
How to stream Netherlands vs. Italy
Netherlands vs. Italy will be televised by a number of different broadcasters across Europe.
Netherlands vs. Italy last five matches
Netherlands last five matches
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18-06-2023 14:00
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14-06-2023 19:45
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25-09-2022 19:45
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22-09-2022 19:45
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14-06-2022 19:45
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Italy last five matches
Netherlands top goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 2 |
Italy top goalscorers
| Player | Team | Total goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 1 | ||
| 1 |
Netherlands vs. Italy line-ups
Netherlands (4-3-3): Bijlow; Dumfries, Botman, van Dijk, Malacia; Wijnaldum, de Jong, Koopmeriners; Malen, Gakpo, Simons
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Tolói, Acerbi, Bonucci; Darmian, Barella, Frattesi, Jorginho, Spinazzola; Retegui, Immobile
Netherlands team news
Ronald Koeman may look to change things around here, with some of his players having endured long and tiring seasons. That could see Tyrell Malacia coming in for Nathan Aké. He could stick with his attacking trio though – and look to rotate throughout the game to use the talent on his bench.
Italy team news
Roberto Mancini has more options to switch things around for this final game of the season. But he could put his trust in a majority of the starting line-up that faced Spain. Davide Frattesi was a surprise inclusion then but was just about the best player in the team – and he could get another go this weekend. Mateo Retegui may get another chance to continue his so far explosive Azzurri career though.
Mancini really needs to go asap