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

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 whenAlessio Romagnoli put the ball in his own net after only 11 minutes, but the Italians were level just a minute later when Ederslammed the ball home.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 coachFred Grim made four changes to the side that started former boss Danny Blind's final game in charge, asKenny Tete, Wesley Hoedt, Jeremain Lens and Memphis Depay all gained starting roles.Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura completely freshened his starting XI, choosing burgeoning goalkeeping talentGianluigi Donnarumma along withDaniele 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 asRomagnoli witnessed the ball deflect off his foot from close range pastDonnarumma to give Grim's team an early advantage.However, the Dutch lost their lead just seconds later as Italy hit back throughEder. 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 stopperJeroen Zoet.The impressive Promes almost regained the lead for the Netherlands as he danced through the defence, and Dutch defender BrunoMartins Indi's header hit the crossbar after beatingDonnarumma.As the game progressed towards half-time, Italy scored their second of the game, withBonucci thumping the ball past Zoet after the 'keeper had savedParolo's glancing header.Squawka Football highlighted the strike:Grim substituted Kevin Strootman as he attempted to adjust his tactics, withTonny Vilhena of Feyenoord entering the fray.Italy substitute Andrea Belotti went close to wrapping up the win after spinning to shoot in the box, butMartins 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.WesleySneijder had two golden opportunities late in the match, butDonnarumma displayed his outstanding potential by keeping the ball out of his net, handing his side victory.
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