For a team that had just fired their manager after a rough stretch of matches, Holland had more than just a game to play today; they had to play for pride. The former European Cup winners got off to a great start by pressuring the Italian defense and forcing AC Milan Centre Back Alessio Romagnoli into an own goal.
To no avail the Azzurri immediately struck back against the Dutch with an incredible strike by Eder to put them level after only holding the lead for one minute. Classic Italian football, despite giving up the lead the Azzurri remained calm and patiently waiting their opportunity to attack and score. The Dutch goalkeeper saved a shot on goal but star Centre Back Leonardo Bonucci was there to clean up the spill to put his squad ahead 2-1 and a lead in which they would hold onto for the win.
Holland controlled possession throughout the whole match with 54% but it was Italy’s ability to create and finish chances in the penalty area, which lead Italy to victory.
Obviously the last game for Italy was all about Gianluigi Buffon’s 1,000th career appearance but this go around was all about Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 1st start for the Azzurri. Man did he live up to the hype; the Dutch created so many chances in the second half that could have put them in the lead. But the young superstar and heir apparent did not let that happen. He came up big with two huge saves late to maintain the lead and the victory for the Azzurri.
Next up for Italy is a friendly with Uruguay in June and for the Dutch their next game is against Morocco. Hopefully the Netherlands can get back to being a top country in football, the sport as a whole is much better when they are performing to their capabilities.