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Friday 5 September 2014

Conte's Italy secure win over Dutch


Antonio Conte 


Antonio Conte made a winning start to his Italy reign as the Netherlands were beaten in their first match since Guus Hiddink was appointed a second time.

Borussia Dortmund's Ciro Immobile fired the hosts ahead after rounding keeper Jasper Cillessen in the third minute.

Hiddink's side were 2-0 behind after 10 minutes, Daniele De Rossi scoring a penalty after Bruno Martins Indi was sent off for a foul on Simone Zaza.

For the disjointed Dutch, Wesley Sneijder saw a rare shot parried away.

Italy, who failed to advance past the group stage at the 2014 World Cup, looked rejuvenated as they secured a first win on home soil for a year.

Hiddink, who replaced recently appointed Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after the World Cup, must now lift his side - which included included United duo Daley Blind and Robin van Persie - before they start their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign away to the Czech Republic on 9 September.

Italy begin their qualifying campaign away to Norway on Tuesday.

Italy manager Antonio Conte:

"There are mature players here and also youngsters who can become great champions.

"There is a very long way to go, but as I always say, winning helps."

Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink:

"After 10 minutes the match was over. After the sending off the aim was not to let in any more goals, but we lost to a very good side.

"We won't panic, we have to remain concentrated, there are negatives from this match, but also positives."

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