On 12 November 2005, at the Amsterdam Arena, a luxury friendly match is scheduled in view of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Facing them are Marco van Basten’s ambitious Holland and Marcello Lippi’s Italy. We all know how the German competition will end, with the red penalty ending up at the top corner, but before managing to find the balance with the 4-4-2 with Perrotta as the attacker, the Italian coach tried to exploit all the opportunities attackers, from Del Piero to Toni and Gilardino, even as a couple in this not so simple away match.
In a particular sliding doors, it would be nice to understand what would have happened without Vanigli’s tough move on Totti. Because Lippi would probably have continued with a more offensive formation or, at least, with more attackers on the pitch. Returning to the match: Holland takes the lead with Babel in the 38th minute, but then Gilardino and Camoranesi turn it around at the end of the first half, then Toni closes it at the start of the second half. It seems like the prelude to a great vintage, 2006, which will then keep all its promises.
Holland-Italy 1-3
Scorers: 38′ Babel (O), 41′ Gilardino (I), 46′ Camoranesi (I) 50′ Toni (I)
HOLLAND (4-3-3)
Van Der Sar (46′ Timmer); Kromkamp (61′ De Jong), Vlaar (60′ Ooijer), Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; Landzaat, Cocu (87′ Boateng), Van Der Vaart; Castelen, Kuyt, Babel (82′ Vennegor of Hesselink).
Trainer: Van Basten
ITALY (4-3-3)
Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Grosso; Camoranesi (79′ Diana), Pirlo (87′ Barone), Gattuso; Del Piero, Toni (68′ Iaquinta), Gilardino (60′ De Rossi).
Trainer: Lippi