Netherlands to play three matches in one week

The Netherlands face a triple header in just eight days - Foto: KNVB Media

The Netherlands will play three matches in a row this coming week. On Wednesday, 7 October, the men in orange will line up for a friendly against Mexico, followed by two UEFA Nations League ties: against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy on Sunday, 11 October, and Wednesday, 14 October, respectively. The latter two are away matches.

After this intensive week, the new Netherlands head coach Frank de Boer will be able to take stock and see how the team is doing. De Boer recently took over the helm from Ronald Koeman, who left for FC Barcelona. The new manager has selected a 25-strong squad, including three possible debutants: Teun Koopmeiners, Marco Bizot and Owen Wijndal, all three from AZ Alkmaar.

Memphis suspended

Star striker Memphis Depay will be sorely missed. He has been suspended for the away match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Depay received a yellow card in last month's UEFA Nations League matches against Poland and Italy. Under Nations League rules, two cautions in two different matches mean automatic suspension for the next competition match.

Italy leads UEFA Nations League Group A, with both the Netherlands and Poland trailing by one point. Everything is still possible in the group, but after their home defeat against Italy on 7 September, the Netherlands will be looking for a good result in both upcoming away matches.

The Netherlands squad