Netherlands 2-3 Italy: Azzurri clinch third place at Nations League to compound hosts' misery in five-goal thriller

Federico Chiesa came off the bench to take Italy to a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in an entertaining Nations League third-place play-off. Italy were in full control in the first half with Federico Dimarco smashing home in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubling the lead midway through the half when Wilfried Gnonto's effort deflected into his path.

Ad The Netherlands halved the deficit through Steven Bergwijn who skilfully rolled the ball away from Dimarco before lashing home with his left foot, but Chiesa came off the bench to seal the match. World Cup Qualification UEFA‘Today there is great disappointment’ – Inside Europe on Italy’s failure to qualify25/03/2022 AT 10:50 He was allowed to sprint 50 yards with the ball into the area and then shimmied wide of Virgil van Dijk before squeezing the ball in off the post.

Georginho Wijnaldum netted in the 89th minute to bring about a nervous period of stoppage time, but Italy held on. UEFA Nations League fixtures/results UEFA Nations League standings UEFA Nations League top scorers More to follow.