Match Report - Italy vs Netherlands

Match Report - Italy vs Netherlands

Italy starting XI: Sirigu, Bonucci, Ranocchia,Astori, Darmian, Marchisio, De Rossi,Giaccherini, De Sciglio, Immobile, Zaza

Holland starting XI: Cillessen, Janmaat, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, De Jong, Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Van Persie, Sneijder, Lens

Antonio Conte started his reign as Azzuri boss with a comfortable 2-0 victory over 3rd best team at the World Cup. Guus Hiddink brought back the traditional and more fluid 4-3-3 system with Netherlands.

Italians rode on the back of quickfire goals by Borussia Dortmund frontman Ciro Immobile and a penalty by Daniel de Rossi. The penalty was a result of a foul by Bruno Martins Indi on Simone Zaza which also resulted in a red card for the Dutch centre back.

It was a disastrous start which cost the visitors the match as they conceded two goals within the span of 10 minutes. As Hiddink said in post match conference, "After 10 minutes the match was over. After the sending off the aim was not to let in any more goals, but we lost to a very good side."

Although the Dutch did improve in the second half but still were no match for the astuteness displayed by the home side. In the entire match the Dutch had only two golden chances; a Wesley Sneijder shot and a Robin van Persie miss. This highlights the defensive organization of Italy. Although the latter change was a result of a defensive error by Rannochia which gave the Manchester United new boy Daley Blind set up his new club mate Van Persie but only to fire wide.

Despite a torrid display; the Netherlands boss was quite hopeful about his team's chances in upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, "We won't panic, we have to remain concentrated, there are negatives from this match, but also positives."

On the other hand Conte's boys displayed the level of football that is expected from an Italian side. He was happy with his team's performance. As quoted, "There are mature players here and also youngsters who can become great champions. There is a very long way to go, but as I always say, winning helps." The pacey combo of Zaza and Immobile troubled the Dutch defense all night.