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Sterling Gh

11 months ago

JOSELU PROPELS SPAIN TO THE NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL WITH A LATE VICTORY OVER ITALY.

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Sports

11 months ago

Spain defeated Italy 2-1 at Enschede to secure a spot in the Nations League final. Joselu came off the bench to score a late winner.

On Thursday, the former Newcastle forward capitalized two minutes from time in a close game when Rodri's game-winning shot for Manchester City in the Champions League final rebounded into his path.

Yeremy Pino of Spain had given Spain the lead in the third minute, but Ciro Immobile of Italy quickly tied the score with a penalty.

Then, four minutes after Joselu's introduction, Davide Frattesi of Italy had a goal disallowed for a slight offside, and Joselu had the ultimate word.

Although the game was mostly played slowly, it had a boisterous beginning.


After robbing Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci on the outskirts of the area and shooting past Gianluigi Donnarumma, Pino gave Spain an early lead.

A shot from Nicolo Zaniolo was blocked by the arm of Robin Le Normand seven minutes later, giving Italy a lead that was quickly reversed. From 12 yards, Immobile made no mistakes.

Frattesi's flawless finish off a lofted cross from Jorginho should have put Italy ahead shortly after, but VAR saved them.

Rafael Toloi of Italy missed a volley right before halftime, while Alvaro Morata of Spain missed another opportunity when he shot directly at Donnarumma.

Although the second half lacked energy, both teams had chances.


Fresh off scoring the winning goal in City's victory against Istanbul on Saturday, Rodri attempted to fool Donnarumma with an overhead kick that deflected before Zaniolo at the other end forced a fine stop from Unai Simon.

When Joselu gently dinked past Donnarumma after Rodri's attempt was blocked, Rodri was once more instrumental in the outcome.

With Italy taking on the Netherlands in the third-place play-off, Spain will now face Croatia in the championship match on Sunday. Les Ferdinand no longer serves as the football director for QPR.

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