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The UEFA Nations League is back in action with yet another high-octane fixture as the Netherlands take on Italy in a match that could potentially determine the future of both teams in the competition. Italy and the Netherlands have excellent squads coming into this game and are likely to field their best teams in what is set to be a particularly difficult fixture.
Italy picked up a crucial 1-0 victory against the Netherlands in the reverse fixture last month with Nicolo Barella scoring the only goal of the game. The Italians currently have a slim one-point lead at the top of Group 1 in the UEFA Nations League and can solidify their position at the top of the group with a victory against the Netherlands.
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The Netherlands have been far below their best in recent weeks and could only manage a 0-0 stalemate against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their previous fixture. Italy were also held to a goalless draw by Poland and will have to be at their best in this game.
Frank de Boer has plenty of work to do ahead of this fixture and will need his attacking line-up to click against Italy. With plenty of world-class talent available to both managers, this game is sure to be determined by several high-profile battles.
#5 Luuk de Jong vs Francesco Acerbi
Luuk de Jong has emerged as the Netherlands' new hitman in the final third in recent weeks and will want to prove a point against Italy. The Sevilla striker is perfectly capable of turning a game on its head but has been far from consistent for his country.
Italy have a strong back-line and the presence of Francesco Acerbi has added a discernible element of solidity to the Azzurri defence. The Lazio defender has had an excellent string of games for Italy and will want to keep another clean sheet in this game.
Luuk de Jong will face a stern test this Wednesday and will have to get the better of Acerbi to give the Netherlands an edge in the game. The Dutch striker is yet to establish a permanent place in Frank de Boer's side and will have an excellent opportunity this week.
#4 Georginio Wijnaldum vs Jorginho
Georginio Wijnaldum has been the driving force behind the Netherlands' midfield over the years but has not had the best month under Frank de Boer. The Dutch have struggled to create chances in the final third and the Liverpool midfielder will need to return to his best.
Wijnaldum will have to contend with Chelsea star Jorginho when the Netherlands clash with Italy on Wednesday. The two midfielders have locked horns on several occasions in the Premier League and will have to bring their experience to the fore in this game.
Jorginho has established his place in Frank Lampard's Chelsea side and is one of Italy's best defensive midfielders. The Blues midfielder is accustomed to pulling the strings from the middle of the park and will have to deal with Georginio Wijnaldum's tenacity and energy in the midfield.
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#3 Nathan Ake vs Federico Chiesa
Nathan Ake has effectively nailed down a place in the Netherlands' starting line-up after a series of positive performances. The Manchester City defender is often deployed as a left-back for his national team and will be up against Italy's Federico Chiesa this week.
Chiesa's impressive performances for Fiorentina have earned him a loan move to Juventus this season. The Italy star has shown tremendous improvement over the past year and his ability to win duels on the flank makes him an exceptional asset to the side.
Nathan Ake is perfectly capable of going toe-to-toe with Federico Chiesa and will need to be alert against the pacy winger. Italy have relied heavily on their wide players in the recent past and the likes of Federico Chiesa will have to win their battles on the pitch to give Italy the upper hand against the Netherlands.
#2 Frenkie de Jong vs Marco Verratti
While both the Netherlands and Italy have excellent attacking players, it is likely that the outcome of this game will be determined in the midfield. Italy have welcomed Marco Verratti back from his injury and while the Paris Saint-Germain star might not be at his best at the moment, his talent and intelligence on the pitch are unquestionable.
The Netherlands have their own midfield maestro in Frenkie de Jong and will hope that the Barcelona midfielder can return to his prime in this game. The Dutch midfielder has been well below his best self for both club and country this season and needs to step up to the plate for Frank de Boer's side in this game.
Frenkie de Jong will meet his match in Marco Verratti as the Netherlands lock horns with Italy this week. Both midfielders will look to rediscover their touch in this game and with both teams relying on De Jong and Verratti to wrest control of the game, a mouthwatering clash is set to take place in the midfield.
#1 Virgil van Dijk vs Ciro Immobile
In Ciro Immobile, Italy have one of the most lethal strikers in the world at the moment. The Lazio forward rarely missed out on an opportunity to find the back of the net and is one of the most efficient strikers in Europe. Immobile was rested against Poland and is likely to lead Italy's attacking line against the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk has endured a difficult season so far with Liverpool and will view this game against Italy as an opportunity to regain his touch. Van Dijk is one of the most talented defenders in world football at the moment and a clean sheet against the likes of Ciro Immobile will serve as the ideal boost of confidence.
Ciro Immobile needs only one opportunity to punish the Netherlands and Van Dijk will have to be on guard against the formidable striker. The Netherlands captain has excellent organisational skills and will play a pivotal role in this game.
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