Amsterdam (AFP)

An attractive Italy went to afford a deserved victory in the Netherlands (1-0), Monday in Amsterdam, and confirm the renewed strength of the Azzuri who, in the absence of Marco Verratti, could count on a Nicolo Barella in great shape.

With this victory, Roberto Mancini's Azzurri, undefeated for two years now (16 matches, 13 wins and 3 draws) take the lead of the group ahead of the Oranje, who appeared tired with a team where ten of the eleven holders had already played there. has three days against Poland (1-0).

Fresher, with a team largely reshaped compared to Friday's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), the Italian eleven set the pace in this resumption match and found the loophole just before the break (45+ 1st) thanks to a header from Barella, on a cross from Ciro Immobile, the striker who also knows how to be a passer.

Italy had the opportunity to break several times in the second half but suffered from the inexperience of some of their attackers.

The only downside in the Italian evening was the injury striker Nicolo Zaniolo's exit, following a shock apparently on the left knee.

The Roma player was already sidelined for a long time last season after a serious injury to his right knee.

The freshness premium chosen by Mancini by rotating its workforce has paid off.

- Logical advance -

Sassuolo player Manuel Locatelli, much sought after in Italy, took the opportunity to honor his first selection, at 22.

For Giorgio Chiellini, also back as a starter, it was the 104th but finally also a new start, after more than a year without selection due to an injury last year.

But it is ultimately those who had already played three days ago against Bosnia that we have still seen a lot.

Insigne still paced the left flank of the attack and shot a lot.

And Barella, not content to score, still struggled a lot in midfield to prevent Frenkie de Jong from leading the maneuver on the Dutch side.

A successful performance in line with his great summer with Inter Milan in the Europa League.

The advance at the break was logical as the Italians had been dangerous, but Zaniolo with an acrobatic recovery (17th), Ciro Immobile (19th) then Lorenzo Insigne (35th) had first missed the target.

The Netherlands were only dangerous in the first period on a full axis tumble by de Wijnaldum (32nd) and then at the start of the second half by the new Manchester United player Donny Van de Beek (55th).

But Donnarumma was perfect both times.

And not unfortunate at the end of the match when Depay's acrobatic volley flew off target.

Italy, she missed the opportunity to kill the match by Insigne, served by Barella still on the heel (53rd) then by Moise Kean (67th and 90 + 1).

Proof that learning is not over.

No more than that of the new coach of the Netherlands, Dwight Lodeweges, who saw his first defeat there after replacing at short notice Ronald Koeman.

© 2020 AFP