Ferran Torres scored a double with both goals coming on either side of Leonardo Bonucci's sent off and then Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back for Italy.
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Italy’s incredible unbeaten run finally came to an end as Spain beat them 2-1 at San Siro on Wednesday to enter the Nations League final. It was an end-to-end contest as Spain managed to secure the win courtesy of a first half brace from Ferran Torres, both goals came on either side of Leonardo Bonucci’s two bookings. Roberto Mancini’s side hadn’t tasted defeat in 37 games stretching back to more than three years. Meanwhile it was a sweet revenge for Spain as they were beaten on penalties by the Azzurri in the semifinals of Euro 2020 this summer.
“We knew sooner or later we would lose,” said Mancini. “Better tonight than in the finals of the Euros or the World Cup but we will come through stronger despite defeat and we really understand we are a top side.
“The red card had a big impact on the match. It is difficult to play against Spain with 11-against-11 because of the way they keep the ball. It’s even harder 10 against 11.’
Early in the match, Federico Chiesa tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon with a low drive from outside the box. Few moments later, at the other end, Mike Oyarzabal delivered a superb cross for Torres inside the box and the Manchester City forward slotted the ball in with an improvised first time volley.
Meanwhile Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was having a tough time as he was booed by his own fans on his return to former home after switching to Paris Saint-Germain from AC Milan this summer. The former AC Milan goalkeeper spilled a thunderous shot from Marcus Alonso but thankfully Bonucci cleared it off the line.
“He wouldn’t have enjoyed it just as we didn’t like it,” said Mancini. “It was disappointing when he is playing for Italy. But we’re big boys, and he played well in the second half.”
Simon made some decent saves to deny the Italian’s. The Villarreal goalkeeper pushed a shot by Federico Bernardeschi against the post. And then, Lorenzo Insigne missed a very good chance in front of goal.
Three minutes from time, Bonucci received his second yellow card for an elbow on Sergio Busguets, the first one was for dissent.
“He made a mistake,” said Mancini. “The sort of mistake you can’t afford to make in fixtures such as these.”
On the stroke of half time, Oyarzabal once again delivered a perfect cross for Torres to head in and double the lead.
After the break, veteran centre back Giorgio Chiellini was sent in to marshall the defence and the Italian back line did a fine job despite being a man less. If not for the post, Mancini’s side could have got a better result. On the hour mark, Chiesa was released down the right flank with an overhead ball but the Juvertus forward’s shot hit the woodwork.
18-year-old Yeremi Pino, who came in for the Spanish goal scorer Torres was keeping the Italian defence on its toes. The Villarreal winger’s cross from the right side of the penalty area found Oyarzabal at the far post but the 24-year-old’s header missed the target. Pino then showed some good footwork to beat Alessandro Bastoni at the middle of the park and dribble forward before setting up Alonso, but the Chelsea wing-back’s attempt was saved by Donnarumma.
Chiesa was the most energetic player on the field and he was causing all sorts of problems to his opponents with his pace and work rate. Six minutes from time, Chiesa went through on goal from a break away move and laid the ball to Lorenzo Pellegrini to tap in from in front of goal.
Spain held on to the slender lead for the last few minutes and they will now face either France or Belgium in the final on Sunday at the same venue.
“It’s a very nice victory,” said Enrique. “The defeat was meant to happen for Italy, all series have an end. The world record is incredible and we’ve been faithful to what we are as a team.”
