Italy vs Netherlands: 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Nations League 2020-21

#3 Nathan Ake vs Federico Chiesa

Nathan Ake needs to have a good game

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.

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#2 Frenkie de Jong vs Marco Verratti

Frenkie de Jong has not been at his best

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.

Disappointing draw... #FJ21 #nationalteam pic.twitter.com/jYKDyWcyRH

— Frenkie de Jong (@DeJongFrenkie21) October 11, 2020

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.

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#1 Virgil van Dijk vs Ciro Immobile

Ciro Immobile is in excellent form

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.

37 games.36 goals.Ciro Immobile wins the European Golden Shoe for the first time in his career 👏 pic.twitter.com/NmEsgfqzI0

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 1, 2020

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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