Netherlands lose UEFA Nations League 2023 third-place match 3-2 against Italy

Both goals were scored in the second half

The Netherlands almost came from the abyss as they lost 3-2 to Italy in the UEFA Nations League for the third round spot, as the Dutch finished in fourth place in the UEFA Nations League.

Italy broke the deadlock in just six minutes of the game through Federico Dimarco and doubled their lead in 20 minutes when Davide Frattesi scored.

The Dutch gave a response when Steven Bergwijn gave hope to the fans, but Chiesa's third goal ended any hopes of a comeback for Oranje.

When Wijnaldum scored the second goal, it seemed as though the Dutch might rally back, but they were unable to add a third goal despite having numerous opportunities.

The Oranje have underperformed under new head coach Ronald Koeman, although the team has done poorly, as evidenced by their 4-2 semi-final loss to Croatia.

They fell to Argentina in the quarterfinals of the World Cup under Louis Van Gaal despite mounting a comeback in extra time.

It put a stop to the Netherlands' most recent effort to supplement the European Championship it won in 1988 with another international prize. Three World Cups have seen the Netherlands finish second: 1974, 1978, and 2010.

During Koeman's first campaign as head coach of the national squad, the Netherlands fell 1-0 to Portugal in their inaugural Nations League final.

Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe netted as France defeated Spain 2-1 to win the championship two years later, in 2021.

Additionally, it carries on Ronald Koeman's poor start to his second tenure as coach of the Netherlands, who lost 4-0 to France in a Euro 2024 qualifying match in March.

Croatia, who maintained their momentum from last year's World Cup in Qatar, when they came third, will take on Spain, and  Modric will hope to win a major trophy with his national team before calling it quits.