Spain overcome Italy in the Nations League

MILAN – After going three years unbeaten Italy have finally fallen to defeat, in the semi-finals of the Nations League. They were knocked out by Spain at San Siro and will now compete in the third-place playoff on Sunday.  

Ferran Torres’s double in the first half proved to be decisive for Spain, aided by Leonardo Bonnuci’s red card which meant Roberto Mancini’s men had to play all of the second half with ten men. Lorenzo Pellegrini’s strike gave Italy hope with seven minutes to play, but it proved to be in vain.

Two Nerazzurri players started the semi-final at San Siro: Alessandro Bastoni played the full game while Nicolo Barella came off in the 71st minute.

Italy will now face either Belgium or France this Sunday at 15:00 CET in Turin in the third-place playoff. Their opponents in that game will be determined in the other semi-final, taking place Thursday evening.