Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead.
But the Netherlands launched a concerted second-half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break and laying siege to Italy’s goal before Steven Bergwijn pulled a goal back in the 68th minute.
Federico Chiesa restored the two-goal advantage at the end of a 73rd minute counter-attack but there was an exciting conclusion as Georginio Wijnaldum got a second for the Dutch in the 89th.
But even though nine minutes of stoppage time was added on, Italy held out under home pressure for a Dutch victory.
Wijnaldum’s late goal had renewed hopes of a comeback, but it was not to be for the Dutch who had high hopes of home success in the tournament but were beaten 4-2 in extra time by Croatia in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
Italy lost to a last-minute goal in their semi against Spain on Thursday.
AAP
