International Friendly Preview: Italy - Netherlands

Kick-Off: Saturday November 14, 20:50CET, Stadio Adriatico, Pescara, Italy.

Testing Times For Marcello Lippi

Having enjoyed a less than imperious World Cup qualification campaign, Italy welcome an impressive Netherlands side to Pescara’s Stadio Adriatico for a testing friendly match.

Although they weren't always convincing, La Nazionale were hardly stretched in their qualifying campaign. Only a plucky Ireland team gave them a few scares en-route to South Africa. It’s now time to test their strength against top-class opposition, as Lippi seeks to get a rough idea on what his charges can achieve next summer. The coach has a chance to experiment with new faces too, as the friendly offers an escape from the cut and thrust of qualifying games.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely to be a game where a tap on the shoulder and a handshake between players are common. Italy are desperate for revenge on the Dutch. La Nazionale were embarrassed when these two teams met last in the group stages of Euro 2008.

They were humiliated on that night as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Giovanni van Bronckhorst grabbed the goals in a smash-and-grab raid on a Cannavaro-less Azzurri back-line. The Real Madrid striker will not feature here, however, as he has not made it into Bert van Marwijk’s squad.

This game could even prove to be a good omen for Lippi and company, as they destroyed the Oranje in a friendly just before World Cup 2006. It’s almost five years to the day when La Nazionale hammered their opponents in the Amsterdam Arena 3-1. Prior to that game, the only other match between the two this decade was in Euro 2000 when Dino Zoff’s men responded brilliantly to Gianluca Zambrotta's early dismissal and won the semi-final on penalties thanks to an inspired Francesco Toldo.

Lippi has underlined his intention of experimenting by calling several new stars into the squad. Livorno’s Antonio Candreva, Cagliari’s Davide Biondini, Parma midfielder Daniele Galloppa and Palermo defender Mattia Cassani will be up for the clash, as they hope to send a message to the legendary tactician.

Oranje Eager To Impress

The Netherlands flew through their World Cup qualifying group winning all their games, scoring a massive 17 goals and conceding just twice along the way. They stormed to their ninth participation at the finals, and will be hoping to carry that sublime form into the clash against the World Champions.

Like the Italians, van Marwijk’s players have ambitions to succeed in South Africa and the clash will give them a chance to stretch the Italian defence. Holland have always been known for their attacking style of play and this will come into good use against the masters of defending. Premier League duo Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt and Milan’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will all be eager to fine tune their skills in Pescara.

Huntelaar will be even more motivated to score, as he has yet to bag a goal at club level this term. He will come face to face with Milan team-mates Gianluca Zambrotta and Andrea Pirlo, who will be out to make life hard for him.

Their recent form has not been perfect, though, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Australia last month in an international friendly. That was away from home, suggesting the flying Dutchman have some work to do on the road. However, they are unbeaten this year having won 10 of their thirteen games and drawing the other three. They were also impressive during their other glamour friendly against England earlier this year.

FORM GUIDE

Italy

October 14 v Cyprus (H) – WON 3-2 (WCQ)