This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
Van Basten's unbeaten run as coach of the Dutch national team was put to an end, when his side suffered a 1-3 defeat against Italy in a friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA. It was the first time the Dutch team slipped to defeat since Van Basten took charge as coach. The three PSV players in the Dutch squad, Cocu, Ooijer and Vennegoor of Hesselink, were all given playing time. CocuBabel put the Dutch team ahead on 38 minutes, but the Italians canceled out the deficit and even took the lead before the half time, courtesy to a goal scored by AC Milan forward Gilardino and an own goal by defender Ron Vlaar. Toni added a third goal in the second period. Goalkeeper Henk Timmer, who was brought on for his debut at the break, thus conceded his first goal during his first appearance with the Dutch national side. Phillip Cocu was the only PSV player that was included in the starting line-up. He wore the captain’s armband when keeper Edwin van der Sar was taken off. Cocu himself was taken off in the closing stages. André Ooijer and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink left the bench in the second half.
