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Italy's Leonardo Bonucci (R) aims to score a goal during the friendly football match between The Netherlands and Italy at the Arena Stadium, on March 28, 2017 in Amsterdam. / AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYS        (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Italy's Leonardo Bonucci (R) aims to score a goal during the friendly football match between The Netherlands and Italy at the Arena Stadium, on March 28, 2017 in Amsterdam. / AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYS (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)JOHN THYS/Getty Images

Italy Beat Netherlands 2-1 in Oranje's 1st Match Since Danny Blind's Sacking

Rob Blanchette
Mar 28, 2017

Italy defeated the Netherlands on their travels in an international friendly as they won 2-1 at the Amsterdam ArenA on Tuesday.

The Dutch took the lead whenย Alessio Romagnoli put the ball in his own net after only 11 minutes, but the Italians were level just a minute later when Ederย slammed the ball home.ย 

Leonardo Bonucci scored from close range on the half-hour mark for the visitors, and the early second goal was enough to obtain the victory.

Interim Oranje coachย Fred Grim made four changes to the side that started former boss Danny Blind's final game in charge, asย Kenny Tete, Wesley Hoedt, Jeremain Lens and Memphis Depay all gained starting roles.

(Top Row L-R) goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet of Holland, Davy Klaassen of Holland, Daley Blind of Holland, Wesley Hoedt of Holland, Bruno Martins Indi of Holland, Kevin Strootman of Holland

(Front row L-R) Memphis Depay of Holland, Kenny Tete of Holland, Jeremai

Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura completely freshened his starting XI, choosing burgeoning goalkeeping talentย Gianluigi Donnarumma along withย Daniele Rugani, Alessio Romagnoli, Matteo Darmian, Marco Parolo and Eder.

Quincy Promes almost undid the opposition in the opening moments, but Lens failed to finish as Darmian made a vital block.

The hosts grabbed the lead asย Romagnoli witnessed the ball deflect off his foot from close range pastย Donnarumma to give Grim's team an early advantage.

(l-r) Daniele Rugani of Italy, Leonardo Bonucci of Italy scored, Citadin Martins Eder of Italyduring the friendly match between Netherlands and Italy at the Amsterdam Arena on March 28, 2017 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Image

However, the Dutch lost their lead just seconds later as Italy hit back throughย Eder. The Italian collected the ball as it was cleared from a free-kick, and his lightning-bolt strike from 25 yards ripped into the back of the net to beat PSV Eindhoven stopperย Jeroen Zoet.

The impressive Promes almost regained the lead for the Netherlands as he danced through the defence, and Dutch defender Brunoย Martins Indi's header hit the crossbar after beatingย Donnarumma.

As the game progressed towards half-time, Italy scored their second of the game, withย Bonucci thumping the ball past Zoet after the 'keeper had savedย Parolo's glancing header.

Squawka Football highlighted the strike:

Grim substituted Kevin Strootman as he attempted to adjust his tactics, withย Tonny Vilhena of Feyenoord entering the fray.

Italy substitute Andrea Belotti went close to wrapping up the win after spinning to shoot in the box, butย Martins Indi made the block to help Zoet.

Depay provided an attacking threat as the Dutch hunted a second goal, but the Italians remained calm in possession and defence.

Wesleyย Sneijder had two golden opportunities late in the match, butย Donnarumma displayed his outstanding potential by keeping the ball out of his net, handing his side victory.