Soccer Nations League Semi-Final: Spain v Italy, June 15, 2023, Enschede, Netherlands. Yéremy Pino (right) of Spain scores a goal. Jorginho from Italy on the left.
Enschede (Netherlands) – Spain's footballers advanced to the Nations League final for the second time in a row. Similar to two years ago, they beat Italy 2:1 in the semi-finals and will play Croatia for the trophy on Sunday. They defeated the Netherlands 4:2 after extra time on Wednesday. On Sunday, the reigning European champions will face a duel for third place against the Netherlands, the host of this year's Final Four. Today's match in Enschede was decided by substitute Josela in the 88th minute.
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The Spaniards started more actively at the Twente Stadium and opened the scoring in the third minute. Goalkeeper Donnarumma made an inaccurate pass to captain Bonucci, from whom Pino took the ball and didn't hesitate in a good position.
The Italians responded in just eight minutes. Debutant defender Le Normand played in the penalty area, Immobile converted the penalty and scored his 16th international goal. His teammate Frattesi then added the second goal, but it was called off due to offside after the intervention of the video referee.
At the beginning of the second half, the team from the Iberian Peninsula created decent chances, but Donnarumma eliminated Merino's shot and Morata shot over the goal, similar to Rodri's acrobatic “scissors”. On the other side, goalkeeper Simón caught Frattesi with an excellent save.
As the match headed into extra time, Spain's progress was decided by fresh substitute Joselu, who happily saved Rodri's blocked shot from close range. The 33-year-old Español striker also scored in his third international match.
“We played great, we dominated in the second half, we only needed a goal,” said Joselu. “The ball bounced to me after Rodri's shot and I knew I wasn't offside. I'm happy I hit it because we're in the final and we're going to play for the trophy,” he added.
“Spain got it deserved it, even if it was scored at the end. We couldn't do anything in the second half,” coach Roberto Mancini told RAI television.>
Netherlands Soccer Nations League Final Four – Semi-Final in Enschede:
Spain – Italy 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: 3. Pino, 88. Joselu – 11. Immobile from pen.
