Italy's world-record unbeaten run of 37 matches came to an end on Wednesday night, as Spain claimed a 2-1 victory in Milan to advance into the UEFA Nations League final.
Just three months ago, Roberto Mancini's men beat La Roja on penalties in the Euro 2020 semi-finals on their way to European glory, however Luis Enrique's side got their revenge at San Siro, condemning the Azzurri to their first defeat since September 2018.
After a bright start from the hosts, Spain took control of the game in the early stages and in the 17th minute broke the deadlock when Mikel Oyarzabal's brilliant curling cross from the left flank was placed in expertly by Manchester City's Ferran Torres.
🙌🏻 ¡¡SIIIIIIIIII!!! ¡¡ESTAMOS EN LA FINAAAAL DE LA #NationsLeague!!
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) October 6, 2021
⚽️ Los dos goles de @FerranTorres20 y el partidazo coral de la @SeFutbol nos permiten luchar por el título el próximo domingo.
😍 ¡¡SOIS ENORMES, EQUIPO!!
🔁 ¡¡ESE RT PARA CELEBRARLO JUNTOS!!#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/c459CwDDiq
Italy's night then got much tougher shortly before half time, as centre-back Leonardo Bonucci was shown a second yellow card for a flailing arm on Sergio Busquets, before Torres headed in his second from close range in first-half stoppage time to double the visitors' lead.
Spain dominated possession after the break and had several chances to put the game to bed, however the hosts were given a glimmer of hope in the 83rd minute when Federico Chiesa took advantage of some hesitant Spanish defending and led an Italian counter-attack, before feeding the ball to substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini who tapped in from just a few yards out.
Enrique's men were able to hold on for the victory, which sees them advance into Sunday's showpiece event against either Belgium or France in Milan.
Mancini's side, meanwhile, will now prepare for the third-placed play-off in Turin on October 9, against to losing team of Thursday's second semi-final.
