Netherlands vs Italy Predictions

• Nine of the Netherlands last 15 international games have gone over 2.5 goals
• Italy have scored at least once in six of their last eight away games
• Three of the Netherlands last five draws have come via a 2-2 scoreline

Bronze medal may should entertain

Italy boss Roberto Mancini complained about his team’s lack of attacking options after their semi-final loss to Spain, but goals could still be the way to go in the Nations League third place play-off against Netherlands.

The Azzurri were a little unfortunate to lose 2-1 to La Roja, who struck the winning goal late on and Mancini felt that had his side had better forwards, they’d have gone to the final

As it is, they find themselves in the bronze medal match for the second Nations League in a row, going up against a Dutch side whose hopes of just a second international honour were ended in the semi-finals by Croatia.

Oranje defence could be squeezed

The 4-2 extra-time loss was the Oranje’s second defeat in three games under Ronald Koeman and they’ve shipped eight goals since he replaced Louis van Gaal as head coach.

Koeman was ultra-aggressive against Croatia and with a good pool of attacking players to choose from, attack may be the best form of defence for a team that’s seen over 2.5 goals cash in four of their last five Nations League home games.

Italy have failed to score twice in their last eight away games and can play their part in what could prove an entertaining encounter.

With both managers likely to make changes, picking a winner is tricky, and a small wager appeals on a correct score prediction of 2-2, which is how three of the Netherlands’ last five drawn games have ended.