Italy 1 Spain 2: Torres double stuns Euro 2020 champs in Nations League and ends world record unbeaten run
ARRIVEDERCI Italy – the longest streak in the history of international football is finally over.
Manchester City’s Ferran Torres scored twice as Spain avenged their Euro 2020 semi-final defeat by Italy to reach the second Nations League final.
For Roberto Mancini’s depleted side – reduced to 10 men in the first half following skipper Leonardo Bonucci’s silly dismissal – this was a first loss in 38 MATCHES and a staggering three years.
It ends the European champions’ record-breaking 37-match run under Mancini.
And it is also their first competitive defeat on home soil this CENTURY.
In a thrilling match in Milan, magnificent striker Torres, 21, took advantage of defensive vulnerabilities to guide a Mikel Oyarzabal cross past Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on 17 minutes.
The same pair combined in first-half stoppage-time as the excellent Torres headed home brilliantly for his sixth goal of the competition.
On 83 minutes, Italy swiftly counter-attacked from a Spain corner and scored through Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini.
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But despite some late pressure, they could not force extra time.
It was an awful night for the usually-reliable Donnarumma, who was BOOED by a section of AC Milan fans because of his move this season to PSG.
Nonetheless, Barcelona’s midfielder Gavi had a debut to remember.
He became the country’s youngest player ever aged 17 years and 62 days.
Luis Enrique’s Spain now face either Belgium or France in Sunday’s final at the San Siro.
Meanwhile Italy pack their bags for Turin for the ignominy of a third place playoff.
Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso said: “It’s great to bring Spain back to a final and would be great to win a trophy for the national team if we can.
“The truth is that I am extremely happy. To win against Italy, after such a long unbeaten run as they were on – I’m very pleased for the team.
“We were superior, we controlled the game, especially in the first half. Then we played a little more calmly and we had to suffer a little, but the victory is what counts.”
Italy boss Roberto Mancini said: “Football games are like this. Sometimes certain details can decide them.
“The first half could have ended 1-1 easily. Spain play very well technically, we should have been more careful in not conceding the second before the end of the half.
“It’s very difficult to face Spain’s ball possession with eleven players, so you can just imagine with ten.
“The lads did what they had to do, we needed some fresh legs and I made several substitutions which helped us in the second half.”
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