UEFA Nations League Third Place 2023: Netherlands vs Italy: predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Either Oranje or Gli Azzurris will join Croatia and Spain in the final three podium

In a highly anticipated clash for third place in the UEFA Nations League 2023, the Netherlands and Italy are set to collide on Sunday, June 18th. Following heartbreak in the semi-finals, both teams are determined to end their campaign on a positive note. The Netherlands' unbeaten run was halted in a thrilling 4-2 defeat against Croatia, while Italy suffered a devastating 2-1 loss to Spain, dashing their hopes of clinching the tournament title.

With a rich history of intense encounters, including a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Nations League 2020. This match promises to showcase the competitive spirit and skill of two European football giants. Fans can anticipate an exciting battle as the Netherlands and Italy vie for pride and a podium finish in the prestigious Nations League.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 18 June 2023, 1:00 PM (GMT); 6:30 PM (IST)

Stadium: De Grolsch Veste, Netherlands

Form

Netherlands (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-W

Italy (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Noa Lang (Netherlands)

Noa Lang's volley in the dying minutes of the semi-finals in the 90+6' minute was the reason Croatia had to battle for more than 30 minutes. Although, by 120 minutes, Croatia had wrapped up the game 4-2, Lang will surely have had a massive boost in confidence. In 28 Belgian first-tier league games, he managed to bag eight goals and provide an incredible assist five times. The Club Brugge winger has scored twice in three appearances handed to him in the Nations League.

Nicolò Barella (Italy)

While Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are figuring out how to lure Barella away from Serie A side Inter Milan this summer. Nicol Barella himself will be figuring out a way to get the better of the Dutch in the third-place Nations League event on Sunday. The Italian was a prominent player in Inter Milan's Champions League run, which they eventually lost to Manchester City in the 2023 finals. He has, however, made seven assists and scored eight goals in 35 Serie A outings. And now he will be looking to add to his tally of one goal in five UEFA Nations League 2023 games.

Match facts for Netherlands vs Italy

• The last encounter between the Netherlands and Italy happened in the Nations League itself. The result was a 1-1 draw in 2020.
• Italy and the Netherlands, two prominent European teams, have faced each other six times in UEFA competitions. Out of these encounters, Italy emerged victorious in three matches, while the Netherlands secured victory in two.
• After a 1-0 loss to Italy in the 2020 Nations League, the Netherlands went ten games unbeaten. Finally, Croatia ended that run in the World Cup 2020 against the eventual winner, Argentina.

Injury & Team News for Netherlands vs Italy

For the Netherlands, the decision to field a team for third place could be influenced by the fact that the team had a 120-minute battle against Croatia just a few days prior. As a result, players such as Mark Flekken, Sven Botman, and Noa Lang, who scored a goal in the previous game, may be given a chance to feature prominently and contribute to the team's performance.

Given the limited recovery time before the upcoming game, Italy's manager, Roberto Mancini, will be compelled to bring in some fresh players to the lineup. One key decision Mancini will face is regarding centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, who was substituted at halftime following a difficult 45 minutes against Spain. We will stick with him, however. The manager will have to carefully weigh his other options and make a decision based on the team's overall performance.

Head to Head (last 10 matches)

Netherlands wins – 1

Italy wins – 5

Draws – 4

Predicted Lineup

Netherlands predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Bijlow (GK); Dumfries, Van Dijk, Botman, Malacia; Wieffer, Wijnaldum, De Jong; Malen, Gakpo, Lang

Italy predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Donnarumma (GK); Acerbi, Toloi, Bonucci; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Spinazzola; Zaniolo, Immobile

Match Prediction

Although the Netherlands are hosting the UEFA Nations League 2023 Finals, it's fair to say that Italy are more than capable opponents. Even the last five games are in favour of the Italian team. Italy won three times, and the Netherlands were able to hold them twice for a draw. So in five head-to-head outings, the Netherlands have yet to find a victory.

However, given that Italy got way less recovery time and Spain stunned them at the 88-minute mark, We are predicting the Dutch to come out with heads held high this time around. The advantage of hosting the Nations League and their past record in the competition itself will give them the edge.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Italy

Telecast

India – Sony TEN 2, Sony TEN 2 HD, Sony SIX

UK – Channel 4 and Viaplay Sports

US – fubo TV

Nigeria – No Telecast