Netherlands switched formations and looked much better as they drew 1-1 in Bergamo against Italy.

Frank de Boer decided to line-up in a 5-3-2 formation with Nathan Ake coming into the eleven, while Memphis Depay partnered Luuk de Jong up front.

The start was bright but in the 15th minute, Italy carved Netherlands open and Lorenzo Pellegrini finished past Jasper Cillessen from an excellent Nicolo Barella pass.

Cillessen prevented Ciro Immobile making it 2-0 as Netherlands defence continued to look shaky. However, in the 25th minute, Donny van de Beek fired Netherlands level after the ball bounced round the Italy box. It was the Manchester United midfielder’s first goal for Oranje.

Netherlands then took control and had chances with Wijnaldum failing to find Memphis in a good situation, before Luuk de Jong failed to find the net with a header from Daley Blind’s cross. Italy also remained dangerous before the break, and Cillessen was called into action a few times.

Early in the second half, Wijnaldum saw a strike deflected just over the bar as Netherlands looked for the lead. Gianluigi Donnarumma then had to make an excellent save to deny Memphis.

Netherlands were in control but in the 58th minute, Hans Hateboer presented Immobile with a great chance, but he could only fire straight at Cillessen.

As the second half wore on, Netherlands began to sit deeper and Italy looked the more likely to score. However, Oranje held on well and took a point away.

Netherlands sit third in the group, behind Italy and Poland, who go top after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0.




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