How Spain beat Italy 2-1 to advance to Nations League final thanks ...
Noah Murray and Michael Dominski
June 15, 2023 at 5:28 PM EDT
Spain have beaten Italy 2-1 in the Nations League semi-finals thanks to Joselu's winning goal in the 88th minute.
Yeremy Pino gave Spain the lead less than three minutes into the match, but Ciro Immobile equalised from the penalty spot just eight minutes later after Robin Le Normand was penalised for a handball in his international debut. Davide Frattesi appeared to have given Italy the lead later in the first half, but his goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Spain advance to Sunday's final against Croatia, while Italy will take on the Netherlands in the third place play-off.
June 15, 2023 at 5:28 PM EDT
Acerbi: 'We are sorry because we must do more'When asked by RAI Sport if Roberto Mancini said Spain deserved to win after the match, Francesco Acerbi said: "Yes, for the two chances created, but also maybe not.
"We had many passes wrong, we gave strength to an already strong Spain. We did less than we could have done. Defensively, we could have caused trouble for them. It’s hard because they have quality players, they keep the ball, and sooner or later they score. We are sorry because we must do more.
"Normally, they keep the line high in midfield. When we attacked in the first half we were dangerous, but then we stopped. We needed more courage, maybe it’s because it’s the end of the season. We made Spain even stronger."
When asked if Mancini's decision to change the tactical shape from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 shortly before kick-off disrupted Italy, Acerbi dismissed the idea.
"It’s not about the system, many players know how to play with a 3-5-2. Perhaps a bit of strength in the legs, they looked fresher. They always had the ball and handled it well, so on the long run we struggled. We could have done more, especially technically."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 5:22 PM EDT
Reaction from Spain's managerLuis de la Fuente managed both Spain Under-19s and Under-21s to European Championship titles, and he now has the chance to win silverware with the senior team.
"These matches are about natural suffering. The important thing was the commitment and quality shown by the team," the manager said after the victory.
"We are fully convinced that this is a process that takes time. We have never doubted the work.
"Things only fall into place naturally. From the inside we are convinced that it will turn out like today. The attitude shows the great commitment of the players.
"(Laporte and Le Normand) is one of the first-choice pairs (of centre-backs) in the national team. There are very good players, we are privileged. We have a youth academy full of possibilities.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 5:19 PM EDT
Joselu is hotIn just three career games for Spain, Joselu has now scored three goals from five shots, four of which have been on target.
He's only been on the field for a total of 81 minutes, meaning he's averaged a goal every 27 minutes thus far!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 5:17 PM EDT
Immobile: 'They didn't create many chances'It was a frustrating day to be an Italian attacker, with very little to feed on, but Ciro Immobile still managed to find the net from the penalty spot. He gave his thoughts to RAI Sport after the defeat.
"We fought to the end. Unfortunately this double ricochet on the goal landed right at the feet of their striker. This is football, we were playing well, but these things happen," said the Lazio striker.
"It is always difficult against Spain. They keep the ball and tire you out, but they didn’t create many chances really.
"In terms of scoring opportunities, I think a draw was fair."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 5:15 PM EDT
Aymeric Laporte: 'The whole group is spectacular'
Laporte was an unused sub in the Champions League final victory against Inter Milan, but played the full game tonight.
"We have one game left to win the trophy we want so badly," said Laporte.
"The whole group is spectacular. Everyone is adapting very well and on a personal level we're all pulling together
"I've arrived later, but it has been a very tough week. The disappointments of the last few years, the recent World Cup... to be in a final is something unique and we have done a lot of merits".
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 5:10 PM EDT
Words from the match-winnerJoselu's goal was the difference between the two teams as they repeated the scoreline of their 2021 Nations League semi-final.
"The team played a great game. We dominated the game in the second half but we lacked goals," said the striker who may soon join Real Madrid.
"The press is very difficult, when you face a rival like Italy you always have to win. We were deserved winners.
"Right now I'm enjoying, I want to continue at the top of my game."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 5:04 PM EDT
What a week for RodriJust five days after his goal won the Champions League final, Rodri has been named Player of the Match for his performance today.
UEFA's Technical Observer Panel praised his performance, saying: "He linked play well and retained possession for his team. He played simple passes but was very effective and was involved in the winning goal."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 5:02 PM EDT
You can't keep a good man downThe past two seasons have been a mixed bag for Joselu. He suffered relegation from La Liga in both, but also set a new career high for goals in a top-flight division in both.
He became the fourth-oldest debutant in Spanish football history during the last international break, scoring two goals in two minutes against Norway. A striker who struggled during his time with Stoke City and Newcastle isn't struggling at all for Spain.
Joselu did well to keep himself onside when Rodri shot, tapping in the rebound after a big deflection steered the ball his way. He has sent his country into the Nations League final with a third goal in his third appearance.
With a return to boyhood club Real Madrid possibly on the horizon, what a time to be Joselu.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
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June 15, 2023 at 4:56 PM EDT
Spain win midfield battleDespite Spain having comfortably more shots in the first half, Italy were the team that looked more likely to take the lead thanks to the passing of Jorginho, the hard running of Barella and the line-breaking runs of Frattesi.
However, in the second half Spain took over the midfield, suppressing Jorginho completely. Merino stepped up especially well after a first half that passed him by.
De la Fuente’s introduction of Marco Asensio proved to be a good decision, as he worked the ball much better than Rodrigo, allowing sustained spells of attacking possession.
Spain deserved their win.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 4:52 PM EDT
Spain headed back to finalSpain have reached the Nations League final for the second straight time, after losing 2021's final to France.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:49 PM EDT
Italy player ratingsStarters:
Donnarumma: 6 — Poor for Pino’s goal but made an outstanding save to deny Merino. Toloi: 6 — Played well. Bonucci: 4 — Extremely sloppy, rightly replaced at half-time. Time for Italy to move on. Acerbi: 5 — Didn't need to try to hit the long ball every time. Di Lorenzo: 6 — Had the better of Jordi Alba in the battle for the wide areas. Frattesi: 7 — Very unlucky to not come away with a goal, broke the lines from midfield very well. Jorginho: 7 — Outstanding in the first half, but didn’t see the ball in the second half as Spain took control of the game. Barella: 6 — Visibly tired as the game went on but continued to play well. Spinazzola: 6 — Quiet first half before being replaced at the interval. Immobile: 6 — Took his penalty well but let frustration creep into his game with unnecessary fouls. Zaniolo: 6 — Italy kept going long to him despite it not working, so much better with his feet as he demonstrated with a sensational delivery into Frattesi.Subs:
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 4:46 PM EDT
Spain player ratingsStarters:
Simon: 6 — After having nothing to do for the first 20 minutes of the second half, stayed alert to make a strong save to deny Frattesi. Navas: 7 — Hard to believe he’s 37, flies down the right side. Le Normand: 5 — Le Normally much better. Shaky performance, disappointing Spain debut. Laporte: 5 — Lacked the composure usually associated with his passing, bit erratic at times. Alba: 5 — Seemed off the pace by his standards, but significantly the one time he got forward it ended with a Spain goal. Rodri: 8 — Superb, took over the midfield. Merino: 7 — A brighter second half. Should have scored but deserves plaudits for taking over the midfield. Gavi: 6 — Worked the ball well but seemed to tire faster than his team-mates. Rodrigo: 5 — Extremely wasteful in possession. Correctly replaced at half-time. Pino: 6 — Started exceptionally scoring the opener but faded quickly thereafter. Morata: 6 — Led the line well, occupying the Italian defenders, might be disappointed to not have scored with a cute swivel shot early in the second half.Subs:
Noah Murray
June 15, 2023 at 4:42 PM EDT
Spanish joySpain celebrating Joselu's late winner.
(All photos by Getty Images)
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:39 PM EDT
FT: Spain 2-1 ItalyJust as they did two years ago, Spain have beaten Italy 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Nations League!
Spain advance to Sunday's final to face Croatia, while Italy will take on the Netherlands in the third place play-off.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:37 PM EDT
Zaniolo booked90+3' Spain 2-1 Italy
Zaniolo catches Le Normand in the face with his elbow as he jumps to contest for the ball. Zaniolo is booked and Le Normand stays down to receive treatment, exactly what Italy don't need as they chase a late equaliser.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:34 PM EDT
Stoppage time90+1' Spain 2-1 Italy
Four minutes are added on, four minutes for Italy to find an equaliser.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:33 PM EDT
GOAL! Spain in front!88' Spain 2-1 Italy
Joselu puts Spain ahead in the closing minutes!
Just like in Saturday's Champions League final, the ball pops out the top of the box for Rodri to volley on goal. This time though, the shot takes a big deflection and falls perfectly for Joselu all alone in front of net, who doesn't hesitate as he pokes it home.
The Joselu shot appeared offside in real-time, but replays confirm he was onside, and the goal stands!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:27 PM EDT
Morata booked and subbed off83' Spain 1-1 Italy
Morata becomes the second Spanish player to be booked for dissent in this match after an apparent foul by Toloi on Asensio was not called.
It's Morata's last action of the game, as he's replaced by Joselu.
Both sides are now out of subs, unless we go to extra time.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:25 PM EDT
Alba creates chance81' Spain 1-1 Italy
Alba plays a wonderful one-two in the Italy box before cutting the ball back for Morata, whose shot at the near post from close range is deflected out for a corner.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
June 15, 2023 at 4:20 PM EDT
Final change for Italy76' Spain 1-1 Italy
Verratti comes on for Frattesi, who was cruelly denied his first career international goal by a marginal offside call in the first half.
Frattesi had gestured to Mancini to be taken off.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
