Victory over the Netherlands, Alessandro Buongiorno's debut, a first goal for the Azzurri for Davide Frattesi. Roberto Mancini can take away many positive things from the Nations League Finals. It wasn't easy to reset after the semi-final defeat to Spain, but Italy did just that by securing third spot, like in October two years ago: "We played really well in the first half. We dropped off in the second because the lads were exhausted," said Mancini. "Overall, I think it's been a good test. We go away with lots of good signs and interesting solutions: we changed our way of playing in the second half putting on Chiesa and Zaniolo and I think it worked well. It was important to win. Buongiorno? He was excellent: he's used to playing in a different way and it wasn't easy to make his debut in such a game. He applied himself excellently."

As Mancini's 57th debutant for the national team in his reign, the Torino defender's were clear at the end of the game: "It was unbelievable to make my debut in this way and in such a big game. We left everything out there and played well, especially in the first half, while holding firm in the second. I'm really pleased for myself but most of all for my teammates. Tactically, I believe I can adapt to playing in a back three or four, but what was really important was my teammates speaking to me throughout the whole game. This is a group that can do well, I see it in the work we do every day. I arrived rather unexpectedly into the group but I've found an amazing set of lads who have welcomed me with open arms. Today's win is down to the hard work done. I'm hugely proud of wearing the Azzurri shirt from starting out in the Torino Youth Sector." 

From the emotions of Buongiorno's debut to Davide Frattesi's first goal. "I was scared it was going to be ruled out, like the one against Spain," joked the Sassuolo midfielder. "Thankfully, it was given. We did well to hold on to the result. In the second half, the Netherlands gave us a few problems with high balls and headers but we held strong and did well to see the game home." Federico Dimarco, who had already socred in the Nations League against Hungary, opened the scoring in Enschede: "It was massive win in what was a great game. Tiredness started to kick in, but it all turned out good in the end." Ending the scoring was Federico Chiesa, who was back on the scoresheet after two years (first time since the successful Euros in 2021): "Two long years," admitted the Juventus wideman. "I've missed the national side more than it has missed me. I must thank Mancini who has always shown faith in me. We would have preferred to have played the other game today, but it was important to come away with a win to show that what we've done these past two years wasn't by chance."

After the summer, the Azzurri will return to EURO 2024 qualifying action: "It's correct that we we are evolving and developing as we move forward. There are many good young players who want to prove themselves: we need players like this," concluded Francesco Acerbi.