Spain vs Italy final score, result (UEFA Nations League): Joselu became Spain's hero

Spain

1^st place

2

Spain - Italy

06/15/2023 18:45

UEFA Nations League

Highlight

Italy

1^st place

1

Spain vs Italy Highlights

Joselu emerged as the savior for Spain, securing his team's spot in the Nations League final against Croatia with a late goal. Spain kicked off the game in splendid fashion as Yeremy Pino capitalized on an error in Italy's defense, propelling his side into the lead within the initial minutes.

However, Italy swiftly retaliated, and Roberto Mancini's squad was awarded a penalty after a mere ten minutes. Ciro Immobile confidently converted the penalty kick. Despite enjoying a majority of the possession, Spain struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities, and it was in the midst of the second half when Unai Simon was called upon to make the most significant save of the match.

• RFEF Issues Two-Game Ban to Goalkeeper Who Responded to Racial Abuse
• Former RFEF Boss Rubiales Detained by Police in Corruption Probe

Both teams made five substitutions, but it was Spain who appeared more energetic in the closing stages. Eventually, it was one of Luis de la Fuente's replacements who ultimately clinched victory. In the final minutes of regular time, Joselu, the 33-year-old striker from Espanyol, found an opening in the box and scored the decisive goal, further adding to his remarkable record in international football.

Spain vs Italy Highlights

Spain vs Italy Summary

After experiencing a disappointing loss to Scotland in only his second game as Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente couldn't have hoped for a better beginning from his team. They pressed Italy's defensive line aggressively and high up the pitch, resulting in Yeremy Pino dispossessing Leonardo Bonucci. Pino then had the time and space in the box to carefully select his corner and slot the ball into the net, granting Spain the lead within three minutes. This goal brought them one step closer to securing their first piece of silverware in 11 years.

However, their advantage didn't last long. Robin Le Normand was penalized for a handball in the box when Nicolò Zaniolo's shot struck his arm. Ciro Immobile stepped up and confidently fired the penalty into the bottom left corner, equalizing the score after 11 minutes. Italy momentarily believed they had completed a swift turnaround when Davide Frattesi expertly placed the ball through Unai Simón's legs after a sublime pass from Jorginho set him up on goal. Unfortunately for Italy, the goal was disallowed due to a marginal offside decision, resulting in an even scoreline at halftime.

Spain vs Italy Summary

Both teams continued the back-and-forth nature of the game in the second half. However, Spain had the better chances as Mikel Merino, Álvaro Morata, and Rodri came agonizingly close to restoring their nation's lead. Spain's dominance persisted beyond the 60-minute mark, and Simón had a quiet second half as a spectator. His tranquility was interrupted when he was forced into action by a sudden Frattesi attempt, but the Spaniard reacted swiftly to deny the Italian.

As both sets of players began to tire, and extra time seemed imminent, Spain regained the lead through a stroke of luck. Rodri's shot from the edge of the box took a massive deflection, causing the ball to fall to Joselu, who poked it home just a couple of yards from the goal. The winning goal was well-deserved for Spain, having dominated the majority of the match. The three-time European champions will now face Croatia on Sunday in pursuit of the Nations League's third-ever crown. Meanwhile, Italy will compete against the Netherlands in a third-place playoff.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Rodri (Spain)

Spain vs Italy final score

Goals

• Spain : Pino Y. (3'), Joselu (88')
• Italy: Immobile C. (11')

Spain vs Italy confirmed line-ups

Spain vs Italy confirmed line-ups

Highlights & Goals popular Leagues:

• Premier League Results 
• UEFA Champions League Results 
• Europa League Results 
• MLS Results 
• La Liga Results 
• Bundesliga Results 
• Serie A Results 
• Ligue 1 Results 
• Today's Football Results 
• Weekend's Football Results 

European Soccer Star Embroiled in Gambling Allegations, Faces Potential Consequences

Sandro Tonali had previously faced suspension in October for comparable accusations.