Ronald Koeman resumed his role as the manager of the Netherlands on January 1st, following the retirement of Louis van Gaal. However, his return has been marred by a series of disappointing results.
In the Nations League play-off, Italy emerged victorious against the Netherlands, increasing the pressure on Dutch boss Ronald Koeman. The Italian team took an early lead, with Federico Dimarco finding the back of the net just six minutes into the game. Dimarco initiated the play with a deep cross, made a run into the box, and finished with a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Justin Bijlow with no chance.
Italy extended their lead to 2-0 in the 20th minute when Davide Frattesi slotted home after a deflection from a Wilfried Gnonto shot fell kindly into his path. Despite a lengthy VAR check for potential offside and handball, the goal was upheld.
The Netherlands managed to pull one back midway through the second half, as Steven Bergwijn skillfully controlled a deep cross and fired a left-footed shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Italy quickly restored their two-goal advantage through Federico Chiesa, who calmly finished across Bijlow following a swift counter-attack.
In the dying minutes of the match, Georginio Wijnaldum scored to make it 2-3, setting up an exciting finale with nine minutes of added time. Nevertheless, the European champions, Italy, held on to secure third place.
The defeat against Italy means that Koeman has now lost three out of the first four games during his second tenure as the Netherlands manager. Earlier setbacks include a 4-0 loss to France in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and a 4-2 extra-time defeat against Croatia in the Nations League semi-final.
Later on Sunday, Croatia is set to face Spain in the Nations League final. The match took place in Enschede, and the home crowd expressed their disappointment by booing the Netherlands team, who failed to live up to expectations.
Line-ups:
Home Team – Netherlands
Away Team – Italy
Match Stats:
- Possession: Netherlands 61% – Italy 39%
- Shots: Netherlands 19 – Italy 13
- Shots on Target: Netherlands 6 – Italy 3
- Corners: Netherlands 9 – Italy 3
- Fouls: Netherlands 15 – Italy 16
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netherlands, Italy, Nations League, play-off, Ronald Koeman, defeat
Q: When did Ronald Koeman return as the manager of the Netherlands?
A: Ronald Koeman returned as the manager of the Netherlands on January 1st following the retirement of Louis van Gaal.
Q: What was the result of the Nations League play-off between Italy and the Netherlands?
A: Italy defeated the Netherlands with a score of 3-2 in the Nations League play-off.
Q: How did Italy take the lead in the match?
A: Italy took the lead after just six minutes when Federico Dimarco scored a goal with a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.
Q: Did the Netherlands manage to reduce the deficit?
A: Yes, the Netherlands pulled a goal back through Steven Bergwijn midway through the second half, making the score 2-1.
Q: How did the match end for the Netherlands?
A: The Netherlands managed to score again late in the game through Georginio Wijnaldum, but Italy held on to secure a 3-2 victory.
Q: What is the current record of Ronald Koeman in his second spell as the Netherlands manager?
A: With this defeat, Ronald Koeman has now lost three out of the first four games of his second spell as the Netherlands manager.
Q: Are there any upcoming matches in the Nations League?
A: Yes, Croatia is scheduled to face Spain in the Nations League final later on Sunday.
Q: How did the home crowd react to the performance of the Netherlands team?
A: The home crowd expressed their disappointment by booing the Netherlands team during the match.
More about Netherlands, Italy, Nations League, play-off, Ronald Koeman, defeat
- Netherlands national football team
- Ronald Koeman
- UEFA Nations League
- Italy national football team
- Louis van Gaal
- Euro 2024 qualifiers
- Croatia national football team
- Spain national football team
3 comments
Italy always finds a way to win, don’t they? Netherlands had their moments, but Italy’s defense was tough. Koeman needs to shake things up, it’s been a rough start. Let’s hope for better results in the future!
Italy showing their quality once again! Netherlands struggling under Koeman’s leadership, need to find their rhythm. Exciting match, lots of action, can’t wait for the Nations League final now!
itly beat nethrlands! suh a crazy game. koeman hasnt been doin well in his 2nd term. they had chances to score but couldnt take them. bergwijn’s goal was cool tho. hope netherlands gets better soon!