The semifinals of the UEFA Nations League took place in Milan as Italy played Spain at the San Siro. This is the first matchup between the foes after Euro 2020. Spain demonstrated superior ball control and ultimately sent Italy out of the Nations League final.
The Azzurri came into the game with a 37 game winning streak. However, Spain had the match under control from the first minute. In the 17th minute, Ferran Torres converted a brilliant chance after Gianluigi Donnarumma, being booed by the Italians after transferring to PSG, made a fatal mistake in the near post. In the 42nd minute, Leonardo Bonucci received his second yellow on a challenge on Busquets, although the decision might seem a bit biased. Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne had the opportunity to equalize just a few minutes after. However, the usually deadly striker put his shot wide and missed that absolute sitter. In the dying minutes of the first half, Oyarzabal's perfect through ball found Torres again at the back post, who pocketed his second of the day. Spain continued to dominate throughout the second half as Italy only maintained around 30% possession. Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini scored a consolation goal in the 83rd minute via Chiesa’s unselfish layoff, but it wasn’t enough to drag Italy into extra time.
The more important news than the score is Italy’s undefeated streak. The Azzurri under Roberto Mancini is a formidable force across the world. No team has won against Italy for over two and a half years. Even with the loss at San Siro, Italy still holds the longest undefeated record in the sport, with Brazil (36 games) and Spain (35 games) behind. Luis Enrique finally got his revenge after getting eliminated by Italy in the Euro, and he will face France in the Nations League Final, who defeated Belgium thanks to Theo Hernandez’s 90th minute screamer.
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