San Siro was the place where Spain visited Italy in the UEFA Nations League semifinal. We have tonight’s player ratings for you.
The UEFA Nations League’s first semifinal between Italy and Spain took place this evening in San Siro. Giuseppe Meazza Stadium hosted a crucial match between the reigning European Champion and Luis Enrique’s side. With a young starting lineup, the Spain manager surprised the entire world with Gavi’s inclusion. A precocious 17-year-old who just started his professional career at FC Barcelona. Before the match, Luis Enrique himself dismissed any type of criticism against his decision.
He publicly stated he tends to ignore any written content from the Spanish media because he knows much more about football than they do. This assertion was proven with Gavi’s performance against Italy tonight. He was instrumental in Spain’s fluid transitions with a fast-paced ball. Paying right in front of Sergio Busquets, he took responsibility from the veteran perfectly. Ferran Torres was the one who benefited from Gavi’s inclusion on the pitch by scoring a brace during the first half. Lorenzo Insigne missed a clear chance that could’ve given Italy a better chance. However, Bonucci got himself sent-off before half time and gave Spain an easier road to victory.
Italy adds spice to the second half.
For the second half, Luis Enrique decided to leave Gavi on the pitch due to his incredible influence on the game. He took Torres out despite scoring his brace but keeping control of the game was more important. This is exactly what happened for most of the second half. With the entire Giuseppe Meazza Stadium completely silent, the Spanish side was close to scoring the third goal numerous times.
Lorenzo Insigne was fuming at a clear chance he had to score with basically no goalkeeper in front of him. Only five minutes away from the final whistle, Pau Torres made a defensive mistake that offered Italy the lifeline they wanted. Pellegrini pulled one back for the Azzurri and woke the entire San Siro stadium up from their slumber. Regardless of this final push, Spain managed to end Italy’s legendary unbeaten run with this victory. Also, they are await for the winner between France and Belgium we will get to know tomorrow.
Player ratings
Italy: Donnarumma (7), Bonucci (4), Emerson (5), Di Lorenzo (5), Bastoni (5), Verratti (6), Jorginho (5), Barella (6), Insigne (6), Chiesa (5), Bernardeschi (6).
Bench: Chiellini (6), Locatelli (6), Kean (6), Pellegrini (6), Calabria (5).
Spain: Unai (7), Alonso (7), Laporte (8), Torres (8), Azpilicueta (7), Busquets (8), Koke (7), Gavi (9), Sarabia (7), Oyarzabal (7), Ferran (8).
Bench: Yeremy (7), Merino (7), Gil (7), Roberto (6).
Feel free to make your pick on players’ ratings and performances in the widget below.
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