Joselu scores winner as Spain beat Italy to secure Nations League final spot

Spain are through to the Nations League final after a 2-1 victory over Italy thanks to Joselu's late goal in Enschede on Thursday.

The Espanyol forward pounced two minutes from the end of a tight encounter after a shot from Manchester City's Champions League final match-winner Rodri was deflected into his path.

Spain had taken a third-minute lead through Yeremy Pino but Italy soon levelled with a penalty from Ciro Immobile.

Italy's Davide Frattesi then had a goal chalked off for a narrow offside and Joselu had the final say, just four minutes after coming on as Spain look to secure their first major title since the 2012 European Championship.

“Now the most important thing is that we win this trophy,” said midfielder Rodri, who played a full 90 minutes five days after scoring the winner for Manchester City in the final against Inter Milan.

“It's been a long time without a trophy so that's the opportunity we have on Sunday night.”

Victory also brought some relief to manager Luis de la Fuente, who had come under pressure after losing his second match in charge 2-0 to Scotland in March's Euro 2024 qualifier.

“We just needed time, I have always said this is a process,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“It takes time to establish ideas, we were unlucky that day and didn't get a good result against Scotland, but now with more knowledge of each other and more time in training, things are different.”

Sevilla right-back Jesus Navas was brought back into the team by De la Fuente and made his first international appearance since 2020 in the victory.

“I'm super-pleased, proud for the group but happy for the coach - that's how I feel right now when we can say we're in the final,” said 37-year-old Jesus Navas.

“Our attitude and the way we