Nathan Ake’s late header earned Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Italy in Turin. 

After the 1-1 draw with Slovakia on Thursday, Ronald Koeman made several changes with Ryan Babel, Jasper Cillessen, Tonny Vilhena, Hans Hateboer, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ruud Vormer and Marten de Roon coming into the starting eleven.

Oranje were on the backfoot from the start and Andrea Belotti thought he had fired the hosts in front in the third minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Netherlands failed to pose a threat and were lucky to go into the break on level terms, with Cillessen denying Belotti, while Simone Verdi missed two great chances. In the final minute of the half, Vormer cleared an effort off the line.

Koeman swapped Hateboer, who had a difficult first half, for Daryl Janmaat at the break and the opening ten minutes were more positive for Netherlands, who controlled possession. A Janmaat cross looped onto the roof of the net, before Vilhena sent a fierce effort over the bar.

In the 67th minute, Italy took the lead when Simone Zaza reacted quicker than Virgil van Dijk to slide in substitute Federico Chiesa’s low cross.

Netherlands immediately got a chance for the equaliser when Babel was played in on goal but the striker was taken down just outside the box by Domenico Criscito. The Italian defender saw a straight red card. The resulting free-kick was taken by Memphis Depay, but his low strike was kept out by Mattia Perin.

Steven Berghuis, Wout Weghorst, Quincy Promes and Eljero Elia were all introduced as Netherlands went looking for an equaliser, but it was another substitute that eventually found it in the 88th minute. Berghuis sent in a lovely cross for Nathan Ake to rise and nod in from close range.

The Bournemouth defender was inches away from connecting to a Memphis free-kick moments later as Oranje were forced to settle for a draw in the end.

The draw brings an end to the season for Netherlands players. They next come into action in September with a friendly against Peru before the UEFA Nations League begins.




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