Italy wanted to end their Nations League campaign on the podium, and that is exactly what they did after beating hosts the Netherlands 3-2. In Enschede, the Azzurri made a great start with goals early on from Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi, before Federico Chiesa rounded things off with a third after the Dutch had reduced the deficit through Bergwijn. Wijnaldum's goal at the end proved to be just a consolation in the end. Just as two years ago in Milan and Turin, Roberto Mancini's national side finish this third edition of the Nations League in third position. 

THE MATCH. Mancini made seven changes to the team that lost to Spain and also opted for a 4-3-3 system. In front of Donnarumma was debutant Buongiorno, Acerbi, Toloi and Dimarco in defence; Frattesi, Cristante and Verratti in midfield, with Gnonto, Retegui and Raspadori in attack. And it was the Napoli forward who after six minutes set up Dimarco to sweetly strike home past Bijlow, following Frattesi's cross in that Retegiu acrobatically tried for goal. After 20 minutes, it was 2-0 with Dimarco once again involved: he laid the ball off for Raspadori, whose attempt was blocked and fell to Gnonto on the edge of the area. His shot deflected and found Frattesi in front of goal, who then coolly slotted home after being played on by Geertruida. It was the Sassuolo midfielder's first goal for the national senior team. Dimarco again was involved on 27 minutes, but the Inter wideman's left-footed effort from the edge of the box curled just over the bar when it looked like it was going in. Before the break, there was a chance for Gakpo to pull a goal back, but his right-footed shot went the wrong side of Donnarumma's goalpost.

Koeman made three changes at the break: off came Malen, Geertruida and Lang, with Bergwijn, Wijnaldum and Weghorst coming on. Within two minutes of the restart, Gakpo again came close to scoring, but Donnarumma was well-positioned to keep him out. Dumfries' weak right-footed attempt was easily held onto by the Italy goalkeeper after 59 minutes before Mancini made his first changes: Gnonto and Raspadori being replaced with Zaniolo and Chiesa. The Netherlands also brought on Koopmeiners for Simons. The deficit was reduced after 68 minutes though Bergwijn who, after going driving down the left-hand side, fired past Donnarumma. Italy's response was immediate, though, and within four minutes had restored their two-goal lead: Chiesa entered the box, got past Van Dijk and hit a shot across Bijlow into the far post. Mancini took off a tired Dimarco, bringing on Spinazzola. The Netherlands also replaced Wieffer with Veerman. After Weghorst's goal was ruled out for offside, Mancini brought off Verratti and Retegui for Barella and Pellegrini. The hosts eventually made it 3-2 through Wijnaldum, but it proved to be just a consolation and Italy ended their season with a vital win.