Spain 2-1 Italy: Late Mato winner books Spain place in UEFA Nations League final

Spain have progressed to the final of the UEFA Nations League, following a 2-1 victory over Italy in their semi-final clash in Twente.

Match Report

A 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday evening secured Spain’s place in the final of the UEFA Nations League, which gives La Roja their first chance at silverware since 2012, when they won the European Championships.

Luis de la Fuente made several changes to the side that lost to Scotland in March, with Jesus Navas, Robin Le Normand and Yeremy Pino among those to come into the team.

It was the latter that gave La Roja a dream start, as he capitalised on a defensive error from Leandro Bonucco to score inside the opening three minutes. It was the second international goal for the Villarreal winger.

Unfortunately for Spain, their lead did not last long. Le Normand, making his international debut, was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, which allowed Ciro Immobile to equalise from the penalty spot.

Both teams had chances to take the lead, but it was Spain that did very late on. Rodri’s strike deflected into Joselu’s path, and the soon-to-be Real Madrid forward scored to make it 2-1, which is how things finished.

Spain will take on Croatia in Sunday’s final, and de la Fuente will have the chance to take home silverware in just his fourth match in charge.

Match Events

0' The match is about to start!

3' GOAL! Spain 1-0 Italy (Yeremy)

11' Penalty Goal! Spain 1-1 Italy (Immobile)

21' OFFSIDE! Frattesi’s goal disallowed

27' Morata's long shot stopped

44' Toloi's long shot over the bar

48' Morata's shot wide out

52' Rodri's shot over the bar

65' Zaniolo's shot stopped

80' Morata's shot stopped

88' GOAL! Spain 2-1 Italy (Joselu)

Line-ups

Spain XI: J. Navas, Alba, Morata, Rodrigo, Laporte, Robin Le Normand, Merino, Unai Simón, Rodri, Yeremy, Gavi

Subs: Canales, Joselu, Nacho, Carvajal, Kepa, Asensio, David Raya, Fabian Ruiz, Olmo, Fran García, Martín Zubimendi, Fati

Italy XI: Bonucci, Immobile, Toloi, Acerbi, Jorginho, Spinazzola, Di Lorenzo, Barella, Donnarumma, Frattesi, Zaniolo

Subs: Darmian, Verratti, Cristante, Dimarco, Meret, Guglielmo Vicario, Pellegrini, Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, Buongiorno, Mateo Retegui, Wilfried Gnonto