Spain 4-1 France: La Rojita reach UEFA U21 Championship final to face Germany

Spain have reached the final of the European Under-21 Championship after a 4-1 win over France in the sweltering heat in Italy on Thursday evening.

La Rojita will face current holders Germany in Sunday's final as they look to reclaim the trophy they've won four times before.

The semi-final didn't start well for Spain as they gave away a penalty in the 14th minute when Junior Firpo collided with Jeff Reine-Adelaide in the box.

Despite protests from Luis de la Fuente's side, the decision stood and Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the spot to give France the lead.

Spain were level 12 minutes later when Marc Roca smashed home after seeing his initial effort from a corner saved by French goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni.

As the game edged towards half-time, Spain were awarded a controversial penalty of their own when Mikel Oyarzabal went down under the challenge of Ibrahima Konate.

Oyarzabal picked himself up and sent Bernardoni the wrong way to put La Rojita ahead going into the break.

Dani Olmo, who is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona, extended Spain's lead from close range shortly after the restart.

France tired as their opponents started to turn the screw and Borja Mayoral made it 4-1 when he slammed in Pablo Fornals' cross.

Carlos Soler almost scored a fifth during stoppage time but saw his dinked effort cleared off the line by Fode Ballo-Toure.