Spain handed Italy their first home defeat since 1999 as they progressed to the finals of the Nations League by winning 2-1. Ferran Torres scored a brace for Luis Enrique’s men as they dispatched their opponents who had a man short.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Mikel Oyarzabal launched in an inch-perfect cross from the left flank that found Ferran Torres. The Manchester City forward got enough on the ball to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, as the ball hit the post and went in.
Captain for the night, Leonardo Bonucci, was sent off in the very first half after getting two yellow cards. The defender was already on a yellow but committed to an aerial challenge with Sergio Busquets that ended in the midfielder getting elbowed in the face. The referee then sent off Bonucci in the 42nd minute.
Italy would suffer the consequence of the red card immediately after, with Ferran Torres scoring yet again right before half-time to double their lead. Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal assisted the goal yet again.
🇪🇸 Gavi on his international debut becomes Spain's youngest player in history (17 years, 62 days) 👏#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/WqNSCAdZiN
— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) October 6, 2021
Barcelona youngster Gavi started for Spain alongside Sergio Busquets and Koke in midfield and did a remarkable job in the big semi-final clash. Spain had control for the majority of the game and could’ve made it 3-0 had they been clinical enough.
The home side found a way back into the game after substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini scored in the 82nd minute. However, it was not enough to hold Spain back and they now march into the finals to face either of Belgium or France.
