Champions of the world Italy suffered a disastrous start to their Euro 2008 campaign, as it was reduced to an impressive Netherlands in their Group C opener in Berne.The Dutch were lucky to take a 26th minute lead after Ruud van Nistelrooy became Giovanni van Bronckhorst's effort despite being clearly offside.
Wesley Sneijder then celebrated his 24th birthday in style by adding an impressive breakaway in the second half hour mark.
Italy had numerous opportunities to reduce the deficit after the break, but Edwin van der Sar came to the rescue, making a superb save from Andrea Pirlo free-kick from Fabio Grosso and near the scope of the effort.
Van Bronckhorst completed a wonderful evening for the Netherlands by heading past goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in 79 minutes as the Dutch held its first victory against the Italians since the World Cup 1978.
The atmosphere in the Stade de Suisse was electric with the Oranje fans far outnumbering the Azzurri supporters.
The duel between the coaches and fellow former AC Milan Marco van Basten and Roberto Donadoni also added an extra edge to the encounter.
The Azzurri should have taken an early lead Luca Toni, but not to get behind Antonio Di Natale dangerous cross.
At the other end, Rafael van der Vaart left-footed strike forced Buffon diving to his right to clear.
Italy responded with Toni's header from Gennaro Gattuso cross passes at Van der Sar, near the post.
In the 17 th minute, Holland should have broken the deadlock after a defensive error from the Azzurri.
Dirk Kuyt set up Van Nistelrooy, who has past Buffon, but lost his balance and the opportunity disappeared.
Shortly thereafter, Sneijder was the bullet strike the bar higher as Holland approached.
In the midst of the first half, Materazzi made it clear from Sneijder free-kick, with Van Nistelrooy ready to head in white.
Holland was lucky enough to break the deadlock, with Van Nistelrooy in an offside position before touching the ball past Buffon.
At the other end, Van Bronckhorst made a crucial goalline clearance after a team mate almost headed into his own net and Holland swept straight upfield to score his second.
Van Bronckhorst long ball found Dirk Kuyt, who in turn created Sneijder inside the area, the midfielder's first touch finish beating Buffon.
Italy could have reduced the deficit, but Di Natale shortly after the close range volley was saved by Van der Sar.
Three minutes before the break, Buffon made a fine save to deny Holland his third of the night.
A beautiful ball from Sneijder found Van Nistelrooy, whose strike was rejected by the goalkeeper.
Di Natale then fired just high over the crossbar on the stroke of half-time.
Italy showed more determination after the resumption and had a good opportunity as Gianluca Zambrotta Kuyt did well to get past, but his effort was wide.
Toni then fired wide on the hour mark as Italy advanced.
Shortly thereafter, itching Pirlo free-kick wide with Fizz and Van der Sar beaten.
Donadoni led to Alessandro Del Piero, who seconds later fired on goal but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
Just when Italy seemed to have found his rhythm, Netherlands scored.
Van Bronckhorst Kuyt latched onto the cross before heading past Buffon.
Italy never relinquished Netherlands but defended deeply and held at a famous victory.
Van Basten taken aback by Dutch masterclass
Marco van Basten celebrates his best moment as coach of Netherlands leading his team to an 'historic' 3-0 victory over his good friend Roberto Donadoni and world champions Italy.
The Dutch beat the Azzurri for the first time in three decades to their Euro 2008 opener in Berne and handed Donadoni, who has just signed a two-year contract extension, his worst defeat as team leader."I am very proud of my team, 'said Van Basten." We have won against Italy, the world champions.
"This is a historic victory because I do not think that they have never beaten the Italians 3-0."
A stunned Donadoni took a brave face after the defeat, and insisted his players would be able to fight in his next game.
"We had a day off, 'said Donadoni." The game started badly and ended terrible for us.
"Our intention was not to start this tournament and award a 3-0 defeat.
"I was not surprised by the display of Holland, who played as we had hoped to play.
"The first objective complicated our lives and I thought they were very naive in the second goal. We reacted well in the second half and despite having chances, could not be '.
Van Basten was pleased with Van Nistelrooy, who scored the opener, but also with his entire team.
Only two years ago in the World Cup in Germany, Van Basten had a rough ride in his first major tournament in charge.
Tonight, they played only several days after losing the far Arjen Robben to injury, and had no problems to overcome his absence.
"I am very happy because my team played as a team, 'said Van Basten." We had to do without several players, including Robben, and the team responded and showed a lot of spirit'.
Italy are now in danger of crashing out of the Championship of Europe at the first hurdle, as did four years ago in Portugal.
"We must be optimistic and forget about this game, 'said Donadoni.
"We need to bounce back in our next game against Romania, an encounter that has become crucial for us.
"Let's learn from our mistakes and make sure we do not repeat them '.
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