(Football News) Spain’s new era under Luis de la Fuente is gaining traction. La Roja managed to beat European Champions Italy in the UEFA Nations League semi-final to book their place in the finals against Croatia. The match started off on top speed as Spain took the lead inside 3 minutes. Leonardo Bonucci after receiving the ball from Gianluigi Donnarumma tried to play it out from the back. A combination of Alvaro Morata and Yeremy Pino managed to snatch the ball from the experienced defender before Pino slotted it past Donnrumma to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

That lead didn’t last long as in the 11th minute Italy won a penalty. Jorginho’s incredible lifted pass found Nicola Zaniolo who tried a half-cross half shot but the ball struck Robin Le Normand’s hand. The referee pointed to the spot and the penalty was converted by Ciro Immobile. 10 minutes later Italy looked to have taken the lead via Davide Frattesi but the goal was ruled out for offside. The match was pretty even at half time and both teams made changes at the break. Spain made a change by bringing on attacking midfielder Marco Asensio to replace Rodrigo. Italy on the other hand took off Bonucci and Leonardo Spinazzola for Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco.

Both teams had a few really good chances to take the lead but the score remained 0-0 until the 88th minute. Joselu who is said to have signed a contract with Real Madrid was at the right place at the right time to score the winner. Spain had a massive advantage going into the final as they wrapped up their game in 90 minutes, unlike Croatia. After dominating world football in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Spain have had a series of failures. Now under a new manager and a new generation, they have a chance to assert their dominance once again.

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