The first of two friendlies between Italy and the Netherlands went in favour of the Azzurrini Under-16 side. At Coverciano, it was a strong and convincing performance for Daniele Zoratto's side, who won 2-1 with goals either side of the break: first, a penalty by Mattia Mosconi (Inter) at the end of the first half, and then a header by Diego Pisani (Fiorentina) in the second half; Bouhoudane gave the Dutch a lifeline towards the end but it came to no avail. It was the Italians' first win of the season after two draws in their double header with Switzerland in September. Watching on from the stands was former Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona player, Patrick Kluivert, as his son, Shane, was playing for the Dutch. The two sides will meet each other again on Thursday at CPO in Tirrenia at 12:00 CEST.

"The players showed some great things on the pitch today, we've been able to evaluate a few interesting players who could increase our squad size, which at this level is really important," said Zoratto at the end of the game. "Increasing means following paths for future years to come. It's definitely pleasing to beat such an esteemed side like Holland, who beat us recently two times at the Euros Under-17 championships. We can always improve and our search for new talent never stops, but I liked the Italy I saw today."

Italia pushed forward a lot in the first half, especially on the left-hand side: after Ciardi's free-kick was saved by Zon, Mosconi created several problems for the Dutch defence, like after 20 minutes when the Inter striker's attempts were blocked by the Oranges' defenders. A few seconds later, the Netherlands had a great chance, too, through Mustapha, but he was beaten to the ball by an onrushing Vannucchi. The opening goal came after 41 minutes from the penalty-spot, given by the referee for a foul by keeper Zon on Ciardi; Mosconi stepped up to tuck it away.

After the break, Di Cama had Italy's first attempt with a left-footed shot from inside the area but it was off target. The lead was doubled, though, after 62 minutes with a precise header from Pisani that was directed into the far post, after Liberali's perfect cross in from the right. The same post was struck a minute later by Mosconi with a powerful left-footed shot. Halfway through the second half, Zoratto made his first changes: Liberali, Olivieri and Vezzosi came off with Mazzetti, Genovese and Biagioni replacing them. And it was one of the newly-entered subs, Mazzetti, who went close to finishing the match off, but Zon did well to stretch to his left and keep out Italy's third. From a possible 3-0, it was soon 2-1 after Bouhoudane burst forward and put the ball past Vannucchi. The Netherlands gave one last, final push but it was to no avail and Italy held on to win 2-1.