UEFA Nations League

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Nations League | Third Place Playoff

Jun 18, 2023 at 2pm UK

De Grolsch Veste

Netherlands
2 - 3
Italy

Bergwijn (68'), Wijnaldum (89')
Weghorst (90+4')

FT(HT: 0-2)

Dimarco (6'), Frattesi (20'), Chiesa (72')
Dimarco (34'), Barella (90+2'), Acerbi (90+4')

How the Netherlands could line up against Italy

By Jonathan O'Shea | 16 June 2023

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how the Netherlands could line up for Sunday's Nations League third-place playoff against Italy.

Drawing to a close their latest UEFA Nations League campaign, the Netherlands will tackle Italy in Sunday's third-place playoff in Enschede.

After Ronald Koeman's side were beaten by Croatia in midweek, and after playing 120 minutes, several changes could be afoot this weekend - particularly at the end of a long, hard season.

In attack, Noa Lang's late goal forced time against the Croatians on Wednesday, and he will join Wout Weghorst in pressing for a start versus Italy; Cody Gakpo could therefore make way.

Regular striker Memphis Depay was ruled out of the Oranje's hosting of the finals, with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt also missing out through injury.

Recent Eredivisie winner Lutsharel Geertruida started alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Dutch back four last time out, but Sven Botman is in contention to replace him; making his senior debut. Meanwhile, Manchester United's Tyrell Malacia could start at left-back, taking the place of Manchester City's Nathan Ake.

Like Ake, Denzel Dumfries featured in the Champions League final last week, so Koeman may consider bringing in Jurrien Timber should the flying full-back require a rest.

Marten De Roon is perhaps the strongest contender to be promoted to the hosts' midfield, where Frenkie de Jong is likely to keep his place.

Netherlands possible starting lineup: Noppert; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Botman, Malacia; De Roon, De Jong; Malen, Koopmeiners, Simons; Weghorst

> Click here to see how Italy could line up for Sunday's third-place playoff