Spain avenged their defeat to Italy, the European champion, by reaching the final of the second edition of the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory yesterday (Wednesday) at San Siro Stadium in Milan, in front of 37,000 spectators in the semifinal. Manchester City striker Ferran Torres scored both of Spain's goals (17th minute and 45+2), while substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini (83rd minute) scored a consolation goal for the hosts, who played with ten men since the 42nd minute after their captain Leonardo Bonucci was sent off.
Spain will face France, the world champions, against Belgium today (Thursday) in the second semifinal, and the final will take place on Sunday at San Siro Stadium, with the third-place match held at "Allianz Stadium" in Turin.
Spain and their coach Luis Enrique redeemed themselves for their loss to Italy in the last European Championship semifinal, where Roberto Mancini's men triumphed on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular and extra time. Spain halted Italy's record streak of 37 unbeaten matches and inflicted the first defeat on them at San Siro since 1927, achieving their first official victory over Italy on their home ground.
Spain sealed the match result in the first half by scoring two goals thanks to their dominance and a significant ball possession of 63%, along with the numerical disadvantage following Bonucci's red card, as they scored the second goal five minutes after he left. Spain maintained their superiority in the second half and could have extended their lead on several occasions, but they nearly paid dearly for it as the Italians reduced the deficit in the last seven minutes, pushing for an equalizer.
Mancini was forced to substitute forward Bernardeschi to bring in the other center-back and captain Chiellini at the beginning of the second half. He made four other changes, but did not succeed in turning the tables on his visitors.
