Spain qualified for the final of the Nations League on Thursday evening. In Enschede, the team of national coach Luis de la Fuente was 2-1 too strong for Italy. The Spanish goal production was provided by Yeremy Pino and Joselu, while Ciro Immobile scored on behalf of the Italians. Spain will play the final against Croatia on Sunday, while Italy will face the the Dutch in the consolation final.
The game was quickly broken open, as Spain already took a 1-0 lead in the third minute of play. Italy was very careless in the build-up: Leonardo Bonucci was unfortunately passed the ball by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, after which he was chased by Rodrigo and Pino. The latter remained calm and shot in from the edge of the sixteen-meter area.
The opening goal after ?? minutes! ?? The Italian defense goes completely wrong.. Yeremy Pino takes the ball and then scores himself: 1-0! ?? If this continues like this we will have a very nice football evening! ??#ZiggoSport #NationsLeague #SPAITA pic.twitter.com/CrVts8kNIh
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) June 15, 2023
The Spaniards could not enjoy the lead for long, because Italy already leveled before the eleventh minute expired. After a controversial handball from Robin Le Normand in the sixteen-meter area, referee Slavko Vincic resolutely pointed to the spot. Immobile took his responsibility and hit from eleven meters: 1-1. In the remainder of the first half, several chances were created on both sides, although the opportunities did not result in hits.
The entertainment value of the opening phase of the second half was also high. Four minutes after the restart, Álvaro Morata should have scored from close range, but his shot went just wide. Minutes later, Donnarumma released the ball on a free kick from the left, putting Rodri in possession. The midfielder shot just over. On the other side, Davide Frattesi failed to outwit goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Italy quickly fixes the ????????????! ?? Le Normand gets the ball shot on his hand from close range ? penalty! ?? Immobile then also neatly uses the opportunity?#ZiggoSport #NationsLeague #SPAITA pic.twitter.com/zRtpUALyb8
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) June 15, 2023
Spain struck two minutes before the end of regular time. Rodri’s shot from outside the box was deflected, putting substitute Joselu suddenly in scoring position. The attacker made no mistake from close range and shot Spain to the final of the Nations League: 1-0. It was the striker’s third goal in three appearances.
???????? ???????? ???????? ?? Unai Simon ensures that it is still a tie in the Grolsch Veste by saving this ball fantastic ??#ZiggoSport #NationsLeague #SPAITA pic.twitter.com/6sbuSDCGt6
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) June 15, 2023
Joselu is it ????????????????????????! ? The substitute has just entered the field and gives Spain the lead: 2-1! ?? Is Italy the Netherlands’ next opponent? ??#ZiggoSport #NationsLeague #SPAITA pic.twitter.com/OJ9QPncPcZ
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) June 15, 2023