Spain 2-1 Italy: Late Joselu winner sets up Nations League final with Croatia

Super-sub Joselu earned Spain their place in the UEFA Nations League final for the second time as they squeezed to a well deserved 2-1 win over Italy. The striker had only been on the pitch for five minutes when he fired into the back of the net from close range to put La Roja back in front, having previously missed a catalogue of chances.

Ad Luis de la Fuente’s side got off to a superb start, with Yeremy Pino capitalising on a mistake from Leonardo Bonucci to fire his side ahead after just three minutes. La LigaBrazil and Spain to play friendly in support of Vinicius13/06/2023 AT 21:39 The Italian response was a quick one, though, with Ciro Immobile converting from the penalty spot after Robin Le Normand’s handball, before Davide Frattesi had a goal ruled out for offside.

Spain were dominating possession though, with Alvaro Morata seeing a couple of shots saved before the break, while Mikel Merino forced a stunning stop out of Gianluigi Donnarumma, tipping the ball onto the bar, after half-time. They were nearly made to pay for those missed chances when Frattesi was superbly denied by Unai Simon at the other end, but they eventually made the pressure pay when Joselu converted from close range to restore Spain’s lead and set up a final with Croatia.

UEFA Nations League fixtures/results UEFA Nations League standings UEFA Nations League top scorers TALKING POINT — THE SPAIN OF OLD? Spain have been nowhere near the force they were a decade or so ago, as evidenced by their disappointing second-round exit at the hands of Morocco at the World Cup. However, they showed glimpses of that all-conquering team in this performance, with the scoreline far from reflecting their dominance.