Next up is a League A Group 1 clash between Netherlands and Italy which sees the two favourites in the group go head-to-head at the Johan Cruijff Arena with a precious three points up for grabs for both sides as they seek an advantage for the top of the group.
Netherlands finished top of Group 1 in the inaugural Nations League last time out, beating off the likes of France and a disappointing Germany outfit, and then the Dutch progressed to the semi-finals stage where they saw off England in a convincing 3-1 win.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, they fell at the last hurdle when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Portugal in the final, but more good news was to come as they finished runners-up to Germany in Group C and claimed an automatic qualification spot in next year’s European Championships.
Overall form in recent times has been strong for the Dutch as they’ve won five of their last six matches overall in all competitions which includes wins against Germany 4-2 away, Estonia 4-0 away, Northern Ireland 3-1 at home, a 2-1 win at Belarus and a resounding 5-0 home win over Estonia.
Onto Italy, and the visitors produced an underwhelming campaign in the inaugural Nations League as they finished runners-up to Group 3 winners, Portugal, by a three-point margin and with just one win managed from the four matches in the group stage.
Under national coach, Roberto Mancini though, Italy did produce an impressive Euro qualifying campaign which was a refreshing change for the Azzurri as they’ve been notoriously slow starters in not only participating in tournaments but also qualifying, but the Italians ended with an excellent 100% record.
In an admittedly weak group which consisted of the likes of Finland, Greece, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia and Liechtenstein, Italy were heads and shoulders above the rest of the competition but they’ll face a much tougher test in the shape of the Netherlands in this upcoming clash on Monday night.
Despite winning their last six away matches on the trot overall and being unbeaten in their last five meetings against Netherlands, their recent previous exchanges against the Dutch were all in friendlies and this upcoming clash should be a different story.
Forebet predicts a low-scoring draw.