By DPA,
Berne (Switzerland) : A stunning display of attacking football helped the Netherlands secure a deserved 3-0 win over world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 Group C opener in Berne.
The Dutch stormed out of the blocks against the Azzurri and deservedly went ahead after 26 minutes when Ruud van Nistelrooy tapped home Wesley Sneijder’s cross from what appeared a blatantly offside position.
However, the Real Madrid striker was played onside by Italy defender Christian Pannuci, even though he was off the pitch.
Sneijder doubled Holland’s lead five minutes later after rifling home a cross from Dirk Kuyt and although Italy nearly reduced the deficit in the second half through efforts from Fabio Grosso and Andrea Pirlo, Giovanni van Bronckhorst popped up with 10 minutes remaining to make it 3-0 for Marco van Basten’s side.