Italy 1 - 1 Netherlands: Nathan Ake’s late leveller helps Holland draw against 10-man Italy

Posted Tuesday, June 05, 2018 by PA

Nathan Ake headed home his first international goal as Holland scrambled to force a draw with 10-man Italy in Turin.

The hosts had looked on course to win this clash of two nations who had surprisingly failed to qualify for the World Cup when Simone Zaza marked his recall to the Azzurri squad with a goal off the bench.

But, after Domenico Criscito was sent off, Holland were able to find a way through as Bournemouth’s Ake headed in to make it 1-1 with just three minutes to spare.

New Italy boss Roberto Mancini had seen his side beaten 3-1 by France over the weekend and he was prevented from collecting a second win from three games in charge here.

The hosts thought they had taken an early lead but Andrea Belotti’s third-minute effort was chalked out for offside.

The Torino forward then wasted a good chance as he fired straight at Holland goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

It was Cillessen who the Dutch had to thank for keeping the scores level at the break following another smart stop to deny Simone Verdi.

The opening goal finally came the other side of the hour as Zaza needed just three minutes on the pitch to break the deadlock.

Recalled by Mancini having not played for the Azzurri since Euro 2016, the Valencia forward slid in to turn home Federico Chiesa’s low cross.

Criscito then saw red for bringing down Ryan Babel, with Memphis Depay bringing a good save out of Mattia Perin with a free-kick.

Tonny Vilhena shot wide and Perin saved well from Steven Berghuis as Italy looked to survive, only for Ake to level matters in the 87th minute as he headed in from six yards out to silence the Allianz Stadium.