Barella sinks to the Netherlands as Italy return to the winning track.

Italy returned to winning ways as the header of Nicolo Barella secured a 1-0 victory in the league of Nation clash Monday at an empty Johan Cruyff arena, just before half-time.

Italy has shown greater intensity and consistency throughout and the full value for the win that follows the frustrating 1-1 home draw with Bosnia on Friday, where their 11-match winning streak came to a close.

It was the first defeat for Dutch interim manager Dwight Lodeweges in his second game, after Ronald Koeman was replaced and he’ll be concerned at his side’s limp display, which rarely threatened the goal of the visitors.

Italy leads the League A Group 1 standings with four points from two games, followed by three points each from the Netherlands and Poland, and one from Bosnia.

Italy, which made seven changes after Friday’s draw, dominated the opening half and Ciro Immobile was in a whisker to give his side the lead Barella had seen his shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the net.

In the opening period, the Netharlands’ only attempt on goal came from Georgino Wijnaldum, who fired straight at Italy’s goalkeeper to end a good start. Gianluigi Donnarumma, from the box’s lip.

The visitors had the goal their play deserved and just before half time when it was Immobile left cross allowed Barella to ghost and head into the net between the centre-backs of the Netherlands.

An excellent pass from Italy early in the second period saw Lorenzo Insigne forcing a great dive to save from Jasper Cillessen as his 25-yard shot curved to the top corner, Although Donny Van de Beek forced a fingertip save from Donnarumma in the end, the nearest home side came to a goal.

Poland claimed a 2-1 win at Bosnia & Herzegovina in the other match in the pool, as Kamil Glik and Kamil Grosicki netted for the visitors with headers. The home side had been given the lead from the penalty spot by Haris Hajradinovic.

The visitors had the goal their play
deserved just before half-time when it was Immobile