Spain 2-1 Italy: What Were The Main Talking Points As La Roja Clinch Their Nations League Final Spot And A Showdown Against Croatia?

in a showdown between two European icons on Thursday night, Spain punched their Nations League final ticket as they snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory against Italy in Enschede.

While Villarreal starlet Jeremy Pino might have handed La Roja a dream start as the 20-year-old bagged the opener after just three minutes, Luis de la Fuente’s side almost immediately came crashing back down to earth as Ciro Immobile converted from the spot just seven minutes later.

However, while both of the world giants might have created a string of opportunities here, it was Spain’s new super sub who will once again steal most of the headlines in Holland.

Making another remarkable cameo appearance after coming off the bench in the final few minutes, it was Joselu who proved to be the match-winner as the Espanyol ace slotted home just seconds before injury-time.

Making an immediate return to winning ways following March’s Hampden collapse, La Roja will now have their full attention focused on Sunday’s finale against a high-flying Croatia in Rotterdam.

Now losing just one of their last five meetings against Italy and cashing in on an Azzurri squad that have continued to show some rather glaring inconsistencies, we have taken a looking at the main talking points from Thursday’s Nations League semi-final.

Spain claim a crucial boost in Enschede

Crashing back down to earth on March 28th as they slumped to a stunning 2-0 loss away at Scotland, Spain were more than aware that they had a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders when they arrived in Enschede on Thursday night.

While the former world champions might have opened their EURO qualifying adventure with a 3-0 romp at home against Norway, La Roja are still fully trying to find their feet under De La Fuente.

Parting ways with Luis Enrique earlier in the year following their lackluster World Cup Round of 16 exit at the hands of Morocco, Spain’s victory on Thursday is still just the second win that they have collected from their last six appearances across all competitions.

Nevertheless, snatching a remarkable last-gasp winner here and edging past the reigning European champions, the Reds will be desperate to use their semi-final display as a platform to build on going forward.

Now turning their attention to what is a blockbuster Nations League final showdown against a high-flying Croatia on Sunday night, De La Fuente will be looking to guide Spain to a first piece of international silverware since their World Cup success back in 2012.

Italy are back to their inconstant worst

Although Italy might have stunned England at Wembley two years ago as they got their hands on a second European crown, the Azzurri have rather drastically failed to build on that success.

While Roberto Mancini’s side might have ended March’s international break with a routine 2-0 victory away at Malta, the former Manchester City boss has come under growing scrutiny during the past 24 months.

Opening their EURO qualifying adventure with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against the Three Lions on March 23rd, Italy have now lost three of their last four appearances across all competitions.

Remarkably mustering back-to-back victories on just a single occasion since their European triumph two years ago, Mancini’s side are also still waiting to get themselves back onto the major tournament stage.

Shockingly failing to punch their World Cup ticket last year after getting hit with an infamous 1-0 defeat at home against North Macedonia, the Blues are desperately seeking some much-needed stability in 2023.

Now recording just a single win against La Roja from their last five showdowns, Mancini’s downbeat squad will also know that they squandered a golden chance.

Joselu is the hero again for La Roja

Marking his arrival on the international stage in a spectacular fashion on March 25th after coming off the bench and bagging a brace in Spain’s 3-0 qualifying victory against Norway, Joselu was once again the hero on Thursday night.

Although the one-time Newcastle misfit might have been disappointed after being dropped from De La Fuente’s starting XI here, the 33-year-old has quickly become a key part of Spain’s squad over the past couple of months.

Finding the net with virtually his first touch just five minutes after coming off the bench, Joselu has notched three goals in his first four international appearances and has continued on a career-best campaign this season.

While Espanyol might have failed to keep hold of their La Liga status last month and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Joselu was one of Spain’s most lethal marksmen in 2023.

Notching 16 La Liga goals this season, it also appears that the ex-Stoke striker could be set for a stunning move to the capital during the summer transfer window.

Agreeing terms with Real Madrid and inching towards a blockbuster move to Los Blancos ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Joselu will certainly be heading to the Bernabeu in the midst of a remarkable free-scoring run.

Match Report

Spain: Simon, Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba, Rodri, Merino, Rodrigo, Gavi, Pino, Morata

Subs: Joselu, Asensio, Canales, Fati, Ruiz

Italy: Donnarumma, Toloi, Bonucci, Acerbi, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Di Lorenzo, Zaniolo, Immobile

Subs: Chiesa, Cristante, Darmian, Dimarco, Verratti

Goals: Spain: Pino (3’), Joselu (88’) – Italy: Immobile (11’ P)

Yellow Cards: Spain: Alba, Gavi, Morata – Italy: Immobile, Zaniolo

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Tomaz Klancnik