Italy - Netherlands - Tips by users and experts on football, 4 June 2018: International friendlies

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Over 2 Goals • 1.615

Unfortunately we won't see both of them in finals of WC. Italy conceded 1:3 in last match against France, but let's not judge them, France is overpowered for this moment and Italy simply can't compete with teams like that. But Netherlands is another story. They are equally right now and play on medium level, both of them got problems with great players and maybe managers too. But they are trying to find their game and new style, so i believe we will see some goals in this match. 2 or 3 I guess. So I bet on over2. Your thoughts?

Over 2.5 Goals • 2.27

There’s no doubt that Italy will have been disappointed and embarrassed not to qualify for the World Cup. The Azzurri were humbled by Sweden in the play-offs, and it’s now up to newly-assigned manager Roberto Mancini to turn things around. Since the former Manchester City boss’ appointment, Italy have beaten Saudi Arabia at home and lost to France away. The Italians have always been a great force in front of their home crowd, but it’s their consistency that Mancini has to address. The 53-year-old has thrown in some younger players during this batch of friendlies, but it’s not a squad that’s full of excitement, particularly in the striking department. Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Zaza both look very poor at international level, and the recalled Mario Balotelli has been out of the fold for quite a few years. Mancini will be hoping he can motivate his team to a much-needed morale booster ahead of the September UEFA Nations League meetings.

Like Italy, the Netherlands squad will be watching this summer’s World Cup from the comfort of their homes. A thoroughly disappointing qualifying campaign saw them finish second behind Sweden, and they’ve a lot of work to do if they want restore national pride. The Dutch have struggled with the recent retirements of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, and there seems to be a lack of quality emerging through the ranks. With appose to Ajax’s 18-year-old defender Matthijs de Ligt, there’s only one other player in the squad who is under 23. Despite this obvious concern, it must be noted that Netherlands have only lost once in their last eight internationals. This was a 1-0 reverse to England, but they did manage to impressively beat Portugal 3-0 in March. In an attacking sense, Ronald Koeman’s men may lack the creativity of recent years, but they do have notable pace. This game looks suited for them to break on the counter, and Memphis Depay will be the main man to watch.

We do think there’s going to be goals in this one with both teams possessing an obvious attacking threat. Hopefully we’re in for an entertaining game.

Netherlands or Draw • 1.62

This fixture sounds like it could be a World Cup Quarter or Semi-Final but the reality is neither of these sides will be in Russia this summer and both are very much living off past glories. Both sides suffered embarrassment in qualifying, with Sweden finishing above the Dutch in their group before knocking Italy out in a play-off.

You sense those outcomes were more the result of the fall from grace these two proud football nations have suffered in recent years rather than any real Swedish brilliance. A quick look through the squads that both sides have named for this friendly and it’s hard not to be struck by the lack of genuine top quality in each camp.

The Dutch have been hit by the recent retirements of the likes of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder and there is a distinct lack of emerging talent in a country that has always flourished in that regard. Ajax’s 18 year old defender Matthijs de Ligt is certainly one to keep an eye on but even at this point when they clearly need to look to the future, there is only one other play under the age of 23 in this squad.

Italy have been a bit bolder in terms of throwing younger players into these friendlies but Roberto Mancini’s squad isn’t a particularly exciting one either. Only the recalled Mario Balotelli has scored more than 6 international goals, while fellow forwards Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Zaza both have very poor records at this level.

The midfield is very inexperienced with only Alessandro Florenzi having made it past 10 caps, while more proven performers such as Marco Verratti and Giorgio Chiellini aren’t involved so it’s hard to really feel confident about this Italian team. They’ve already played twice during this international break and they didn’t really impress in either of those games. They edged out a fairly average Saudi Arabia side 2-1 before being well beaten in France and it’s now just 2 wins in 8 internationals for Italy.

The Netherlands have at least had a bit longer to get used to the idea that they are no longer footballing giants, at least in terms of their current talent pool. They’ve only lost 1 of their last 8 internationals, a 1-0 loss to England in Amsterdam and it’s worth noting they did impressively win 3-0 in Portugal in March.

They may lack the creativity of yesteryear but they have plenty of pace up front, with the likes of Memphis Depay and this game may just suit them as it should allow them to play on the counter.

Overall backing Netherlands Double Chance could well be the way to go.