Italy beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the Nations League third-place play-off, with Federico Chiesa scoring what was ultimately the decisive goal.
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Roberto Mancini's side took the lead after just six minutes through Federico Dimarco, and Davide Frattesi doubled the lead with his first international goal shortly after.
Despite the Dutch dominating possession, they struggled to create shooting opportunities until Steven Bergwijn pulled a goal back midway through the second half.
Chiesa's goal in the 72nd minute reasserted Italian control over the scoreline, but the Dutch continued to fight. Wout Weghorst had a goal disallowed before Georginio Wijnaldum cut the deficit to one in the 89th minute. Italy held on for the win though, securing successive Nations League bronze medals.
With Italy securing the bronze, it's time to see who is taking silver and gold out of Spain and Croatia.
"It certainly wasn’t an easy match but it was a good game, with many goals," said the Inter Milan left-back.
"This victory was important to end the season well. We went downhill a bit during the second half, but I think it’s okay, considering the long season all of us have had. It’s okay to feel tired in the last match. Aside from that, the result was important, and we got it.
"I’m happy with my goal. (Giacomo) Raspadori did well to pass me the ball. Aside from the goal, I’m happy that the team won.
"When they scored the goals and made it closer, we never gave up. We suffered a bit, but the team never gave up. We remained a team during the difficult spells."
AS Roma loanee from Paris Saint-Germain and goalscorer of the Dutch second goal spoke to UEFA.com at full time.
"I was really disappointed in the way we played in the first half – compared to the game against Croatia, where we played a good first half. So we spoke about today as a big opportunity for us to learn and get better, but in the first half we didn't show that."
"In the second half, we were more aggressive, and we had the will to do more on the pitch and win our one-on-one battles. So the plan we were playing was the same, but we did it with more intensity and we pushed harder to get a result."
"I think this shows that we have to learn a lot more... if you want to win things, then you cannot play like we did in the first half."
Mancini: 'When you win, it's not important if you play well'
Roberto Mancini has broke down Italy's performance to UEFA.com.
"When you win, it’s always good. It’s not important if you play well, or just so-so. We played very well in the first half, but in the second half our performance dropped as we were so tired," said the manager after sealing consecutive Nations League bronze medals.
"Yes, we suffered together when the Netherlands attacked, but then we had the chances to score more after the third. We couldn't score a fourth, but I think we did a good job."
Italy's Dimarco has been named the Player of the Match. UEFA's Technical Observer Panel praised his showing this afternoon, highlighting his play at both ends of the pitch: "He scored a spectacular first goal and was heavily involved in the second. He also defended solidly: blocking shots, stopping crosses and making crucial tackles."
Chiesa: There is talent, it just needs to be used properly
Speaking to Sky Italia, Federico Chiesa gave his thoughts after sealing the bronze for Italy.
"I am happy with the goal and for the team. Perhaps we deserved more over the two games," said the Juventus attacker, who has struggled with injuries this season.
"We are ready, I think we proved that over the last few years. There is talent in Italy, it just needs to be used properly.
"Mancini has done that with great courage, bringing through players like for example Nicolo Zaniolo for international duty before he’d even played a single Serie A match.
"Obviously, there were some wonderful moments, some less great, but this is football and we can look to the future with positivity.
"It has been a very difficult year for me, it ended better than it started. It will already be an improvement that next season I will be able to take part in training with the rest of the team, which I’ve not been able to do for a while."
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, wasn't impressed with the Dutch's defensive performance.
"Look at Van Dijk, doing half-nothing. And you have to watch Geertruida. He doesn't think for a moment: the house is on fire."
Frattesi was Italy's star player across the Nations League finals, unlucky to be heading home with only one goal, he gave his reaction to RAI Sport.
"They created a few problems for us by flicking on long balls, but we did well to remain solid," said the Sassuolo central-midfielder.
"I felt that Mancini had faith in me and I hope that I managed to repay him in the best way possible.
The 23-year-old is highly expected to leave Sassuolo this season, with Inter Milan thought to be the front runners for his signature.
Buongiorno reflects on his international debut
Alessandro Buongiorno was gleaming after making his international debut, taking home a bronze medal.
"It was so emotional for me to make my debut in this game, I think we gave our all and especially played well in the first half, then showed we could hold on under pressure in the second. I am grateful to coach Mancini and the squad," he told RAI Sport.
"I can fit into a three-man defence or four, but my teammates were also very helpful with their advice. I thank them and am very happy... it is a spectacular group and today’s win was thanks to that bond too."
"The Dutch were far more aggressive in their high press for the second half and transformed their approach, so the game changed, but we were solid and concentrated to bring home the result."
Praise for the debutant
It was a good day for Buongiorno as the Torino centre-back, who was singled out for praise by Roberto Mancini.
Buongiorno, who plays as a central defender in a three at club level put in a good performance as part of a four, alongside Francesco Acerbi.
“It was not easy, especially as he is not used to this style of football, but Buongiorno was excellent and really applied himself well.”
Noah Murray
A first international goal since September 2021 came at an opportune time for Federico Chiesa.
Mancini sees positives
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini gave his reaction to RAI Sport.
“The first half was very good and an enormous effort, as everyone was so tired and it showed in the second half. Being able to hold out under that pressure is a good sign," said the Italy manager.
"We have some interesting tactical solutions, we changed in the second half with Chiesa and Zaniolo wide, whereas we were more rapid and light upfront in the first half.
"The defence fought to the end. It was important to win, this is a prestigious tournament."
Virgil van Dijk has not had an easy time of things this season and his issues did not subside for the defeat against Croatia.
"Virgil is self-critical. We showed the images. It's not just one player, more players were involved, but it’s clear that Virgil van Dijk played a part in this," said Koeman.
Koeman had previously been critical of the Liverpool defender, stating: "He will have to be better. We are well endowed with central defenders.
"I’ve always said to Virgil: you have to assume that the player next to you is making a mistake. Then you have to look: am I right? Am I assessing the situation correctly? And sometimes he just has to play much harder and shorter, but then he keeps his position too much. I also discuss that with Virgil."
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