The Dutch locked horns with the European champions in the third-place play-off after losing to Croatia on Wednesday evening.
And Ronald Koeman’s side got off to the worst possible start at De Grolsch Veste, with Inter full-back Federico Dimarco firing emphatically into the far top corner after Mateo Retegui had failed to connect with a bicycle kick.
Ake and co. found themselves two down inside 20 minutes when a fortuitous deflection landed at the feet of Davide Frattesi, allowing him to finish under Justin Bijlow following a swift counter.
The Netherlands made three changes at half time in the hope of working their way back into proceedings, and they halved the deficit through one of those substitutes, Steven Bergwijn, midway through the second half.
The former Tottenham winger expertly sold Dimarco a dummy on the right of the box after the Italians had failed to clear a Cody Gakpo cross, dragging to ball inside onto his left foot before smashing into the far corner through a crowd of bodies.
But with the Dutch committing players forward in search of the equaliser, they left themselves exposed at the back. Italy, managed by former City boss Roberto Mancini, would take advantage soon after.
Indeed, their two-goal cushion was restored inside five minutes of Bergwijn’s strike when Federico Chiesa got the better of Virgil Van Dijk down the left flank before coolly slotting home.
Ake and co. continued to press for a route back into the game and thought they’d found it when substitute Wout Weghorst pounced on a loose ball following a free-kick to chip into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
They would eventually get their second late on when Georginio Wijnaldum expertly brought a stinging ball through the Italy defence under control and fired into the roof of the net.
However, it would prove in vain for the Dutch, who were forced to settle for fourth in this year’s Nations League tournament.
Meanwhile, City duo Aymeric Laporte and Rodrigo could be in action for Spain this evening when they take on Croatia in the final.
Kick-off is set for 19:45 (UK). Keep across mancity.com and our official app to find out how they get on with a City-focused match report soon after the final whistle.
