How Italy vs. Netherlands Reflected Well on Van Gaal's World Cup Performance

It was supposed to be the beginning of an exciting new era for the Dutch national team. In reality, though, it was anything but a dream start. Playing their first international friendly under the leadership of new manager Guus Hiddink, the Netherlands lost 2-0 against Italy on Thursday night.

The outcome of the match was somewhat of anomaly. After barely 10 minutes of playing time, Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi had been sent off for slightly shoving Simone Zaza, the Italian striker who had broken through the Dutch defensive line and was technically denied a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Nonetheless, the result must have presented Hiddink, who would have liked to instil some confidence in his troops at the start of his reign, with a bit of a headache. Even with Martins Indi’s sending off taken into consideration, the Dutch looked utterly incapable of resisting the Italian Blue hordes.

In many ways, the result was also a condemnation of Hiddink’s decision to return to the 4-3-3 formation the Dutch public seems to love so much. As Dutch romantics like to point out, this setup can indeed be seen as an inherent part of the "Dutch school" of football. Against Italy, however, it proved wholly ineffective.

In midfield, the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum—who in due time might be replaced by a fit Kevin Strootman in the starting XI—and Wesley Sneijder were overrun by the Italians, who concentrated the bulk of their players in the centre of the park as usual.

Up front, sole striker Robin van Persie seemed isolated and unassisted by wide men Dirk Kuyt and Jeremain Lens, who neither looked like traditional wingers nor inside forwards.

Although the Dutch defensive line has improved in stature since the World Cup, the likes of Stefan de Vrij and Daley Blind now playing for Lazio and Manchester United respectively, they too were unable to physically impose themselves or bring the ball forward.

Looking back at the World Cup in Brazil, Hiddink’s debut as Netherlands boss made Louis van Gaal’s successful campaign in Brazil this summer seem all the more laudable.

Shortly before the tournament, following an embarrassing loss in a friendly against France, Van Gaal had changed the Netherlands’ 4-3-3 formation to a newfound 5-3-2. The switch worked like a charm. In Brazil, the Dutch finished third, demolishing reigning world champions Spain 5-1 along the way. 

Some saw Van Gaal’s change in style as unnecessary. Some thought the Dutch could have done even better if they had implemented a more attacking style of play.

The Netherlands’ friendly against Italy, however, vindicated Van Gaal’s decision to take a more cautious approach during the World Cup. By taking a radical decision, the Dutch boss managed to get the most out of a squad that’s flawed in many ways.

For that, Van Gaal deserves praise from the Dutch fans. It’s also something for Hiddink to consider.

Perhaps the squad isn’t that good. Perhaps the cold reality is that drastic measures are needed to achieve results.