On November 16, 1988, at the Olympic stadium in Rome, there was a luxury friendly match for the ninetieth anniversary of the Italian Football Federation. Opposite is Italy, coached by Azeglio Vicini, against the Netherlands who recently became European Champions, winning the final against the Soviet Union with Van Basten’s fantastic goal, with a diagonal volley who dies at the top corner and becomes practically immortal. The Azzurri have Bergomi and Maldini in defense, Giuseppe Baresi in the center of defense with Ferri, but also an almost atomic attack with Rizzitelli, Vialli and Giannini.
In reality, Roberto Baggio is also therea young player from Fiorentina, making his first appearance for the national team. It will be the first of (only) 56 races. Both teams have a fairly reshuffled lineup, even if Rijkaard is in the orange team – but not Gullit – as well as the Milan center forward. Vicini is trying to create a team to replicate the 1982 World Cup victory in Spain, considering that the Olimpico would host the next Italia 90 final.
Italy-Holland
Markers: 44′ Vialli.
Italy
Tacconi, Bergomi, Maldini, Baresi, Ferri, De Agostini (81’Berti), Rizzitelli (52′ Ferrara), De Napoli, Vialli, Giannini, Baggio.
Trainer: Neighbors
Holland
Van Breukelen, Silooy, Reekers, Koeman, Koot, Rijkaard, Vanenburg, Suvrijn (69′ Rutten), van Basten, Eykelkamp (61′ Van Loen), Huistra.
Trainer: Libregts.