Spain advanced to the UEFA Nations League final after defeating European champions Italy 2-1 in the semi-finals on Thursday night.
UEFA Nations League
Result: Spain 2-1 Italy
Date: 15 June 2023
Venue: De Grolsch Veste
La Roja got off to a flying start when Yeremy Pino opened the scoring after just three minutes after picking the ball off Leonardo Bonucci before rounding Gianluigi Donnarumma and slotting into an empty net.
It didn't take long for Italy to get back on level terms when they awarded in the 11th minute for a handball on Le Normand, which allowed Ciro Immobile to step up and calmly slot home.
The Italians had the ball in the back of the net ten minutes later when Davide Frattesi calmly slotted home after some good work by Jorginho. However, the goal was ruled out for an offside.
The Spanish ended the first on a stronger note but were unbale to restore their lead before the halftime break, with Gavi going closest with a low strike that was palmed away by Donnarumma.
The hosts went close to taking the lead seven minutes after the halftime break when Rodri reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, but his improvised effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Unai Simone was called into action at the other end, as the Spanish shot-stopper produced a superb save to keep out Fratessi's first-time effort after some good work by Federico Dimarco.
The sides continued pushing for the go-ahead and that fell to Spain in the 88th minute, with substitute Joselu firing past Donnarumma from close range two minutes after his arrival.
Spain will now face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday night.
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