Antonio Conte made a winning start to his Italy reign as the Netherlands were beaten in their first match since Guus Hiddink was appointed a second time.
Italy beat Netherlands 2-0 in International Friendly
Borussia Dortmund's Ciro Immobile fired the hosts ahead after rounding keeper Jasper Cillessen in the third minute.
Hiddink's side were 2-0 behind after 10 minutes, Daniele De Rossi scoring a penalty after Bruno Martins Indi was sent off for a foul on Simone Zaza.
For the disjointed Dutch, Wesley Sneijder saw a rare shot parried away.
Italy, who failed to advance past the group stage at the 2014 World Cup, looked rejuvenated as they secured a first win on home soil for a year.
Hiddink, who replaced recently appointed Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after the World Cup, must now lift his side - which included included United duo Daley Blind and Robin van Persie - before they start their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign away to the Czech Republic on 9 September.
Italy begin their qualifying campaign away to Norway on Tuesday.
Italy manager Antonio Conte said: "There are mature players here and also youngsters who can become great champions.
"There is a very long way to go, but as I always say, winning helps."
Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink said: "After 10 minutes the match was over. After the sending off the aim was not to let in any more goals, but we lost to a very good side.
"We won't panic, we have to remain concentrated, there are negatives from this match, but also positives."
Antonio Conte steered Juventus to three successive Serie A titles while in charge of Juventus
This was Italy's first win on home soil since they beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in September 2013 in Torino
The Netherlands had just one shot - off target from outside the box - in the first half against Italy
BBC Sport
No comments:
Post a Comment