Spain bested Italy in a 2-1 victory at the De Grolsch Veste stadium in the Netherlands on Thursday night to book their spot in the final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
La Furia Roja got the better of the Italians within three minutes of play when Yeremy Pino took advantage of a defensive error to hand Spain the lead after three minutes of play. Spain’s lead did not last long, however, with Ciro Immobile scoring a penalty just eight minutes later after debutant Robin Le Normand was deemed to have handled the ball in the box.
Dominating the ball with 63% possession and 19 shots compared to eight, it seemed as if Spain had run out of ideas as extra time loomed. Then, in the 88th minute, Rodri fired a long-range shot that was deflected into the path of Joselu, who scored from just four yards out.
“The team played a great game,” Joselu remarked after the game. “We dominated almost the entire second half, just the goal was missing. I was alone after Rodri’s shot, it fell (to me) and I was confident I wasn’t offside. I’m happy for my goal because we’re now into a final with a chance to win a trophy.”
Coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad will take on Croatia in the final of the UEFA Nations League in Rotterdam on Sunday.
