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Italy have claimed the consolation bronze medals at the Nations League finals, and added to a disappointing week for their Dutch hosts , as they edged the Dutch 3-2 in the third place play-off at the Twente Stadium.
Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead in Sunday’s clash.
But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break and laying siege to Italy’s goal before Steven Bergwijn pulled a goal back in the 68th minute.
Federico Chiesa restored the two-goal advantage at the end of a 73rd minute counter-attack but there was an exciting conclusion as Georginio Wijnaldum got a second for the Dutch in the 89th.
But even though nine minutes of stoppage time was added on, Italy held out under home pressure for victory.
Wijnaldum’s late goal had renewed hopes of a comeback but it was not to be for the Dutch, who had high hopes of home success in the tournament but were beaten 4-2 in extra time by Croatia in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
Italy lost to a last-minute goal in their semi-final against Spain on Thursday, while Croatia and Spain contest the final in Rotterdam later on Sunday.
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