Jeremain Lens has given Holland the half-time lead, but Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy threatened an Italian equaliser in Amsterdam.The AmsterdamArena was packed out for this international friendly and both teams fielded a 4-3-3 system. Stephan El Shaarawy partnered Mario Balotelli with Antonio Candreva, while Davide Astori and Davide Santon stepped in to the defence. Louis Van Gaal picked a young side with Robin Van Persie leading the way.
Italy were aiming to avoid a sixth consecutive friendly defeat, as the Nazionale traditionally does not fare well out of competitive games. Their record against the Dutch was of seven wins, seven draws and three defeats. However, none of the victories were in friendlies.
Newcastle United full-back santon was needed straight away to stop Van Persie getting his shot away in the opening five minutes. Moments later Balotelli fell awkwardly with Kevin Strootman landing on him, leading to a nasty cut to the knee, but he was able to continue after treatment.
Gigi Buffon performed an amazing save with his foot to deny Adam Maher from 10 yards after Santon had slipped over to allow a Jeremain Lens cross in.
Buffon needed quick reactions again on Maher’s volley into the ground after Van Persie’s effort was deflected in the box. Moments later, Strootman’s powerful finish was straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Italy finally went on the attack after 28 minutes, but both Balotelli’s assists for El Shaarawy were crucially intercepted. Balotelli chested down a cross-field Andrea Pirlo pass to fire wide.
Holland took the lead when a Daryl Janmaat cross was not cleared effectively, a shot was charged down and Lens was given far too much time and space to control and score on the volley.
Janmaat proved decisive at the other end, putting Ignazio Abate’s cross out for a corner as El Shaarawy was ready to pounce at the back post.
Balotelli controlled a pass over the top and took one too many touches so his angled drive was charged down for a corner. Abate rolled across from the right for Balotelli, but again there was a decisive interception.
From that corner, El Shaarawy skipped away brilliantly from Ola John with a bit of skill and saw his cross deflected past the near post. Abate again sprung the offside trap and rolled across for Balotelli, but Stefan De Vrij stopped it reaching El Shaarawy.
Holland 1-0 Italy (Half-Time)
Scorers: Lens 33 (H)
Holland: Krul; Blind, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Janmaat; Clasie, Maher, Strootman; Lens, Van Persie, Ola John
Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Astori, Santon; De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo; Candreva, Balotelli, El Shaarawy
Ref: Cakir (TUR)
