Joselu rents De la Fuente like nobody else

Joselu rents De la Fuente like nobody else

The forward puts Spain in the final of the League of Nations with the 2-1 defeat of Italy in the 88th minute

MADRID, 15 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish soccer team beat Italy (2-1) this Thursday in the second semifinal of the League of Nations, held at the Twente Stadion in Enschede (Netherlands), to meet Croatia in the final on Sunday thanks to both Joselu's victory in the 88th minute.

The Espanyol striker, amid rumors of his return to Real Madrid this summer, continues to be the proper name of Luis de la Fuente's stage, a new era that in his third game was vitally reinforced with the option of fight for a title. The troubles of the 'Red' seek a point and apart in a League of Nations that they already fought to win in 2021 with Luis Enrique.

Joselu, three goals in three games with the senior team, jumped to the rescue again, as with his last double against Norway, to serve a final. The Spanish team started ahead through Yeremy after three minutes, but ended up suffering until the break. Later, the 'Red' grew and De la Fuente burned ships until he found his favorite man, the architect of the appointment with Croatia for the third edition of this tournament.

Despite the smell of beach and vacation that surrounds this decisive return to UEFA competition, the second semi-final was entertaining from the start. A first half that Spain put forward after three minutes, with a goal by Yeremi after pressure from both him and Gavi on an unfortunate Bonucci.

The Italian gift was signed by the Spanish defense shortly after, since Le Normand, on the day of his debut, committed a penalty for hands that Immobile converted in the 11th minute. At 1-1, the domain was by neighborhoods, but Spain suffered no ball Mancini's men moved well up with Spinazzola and Zaniolo, catching the Le Normand-Laporte defense from De la Fuente's third game in more than one resignation.

Thus, Frattesi came to put Italy ahead in the 21st minute, but the VAR annulled it for offside. The fear in the body took time to disappear in a somewhat gripped selection that sought to grow from possession, without giving up the attack. Gavi lacked centimeters to finish off a cross from Navas and Morata had no aim.

With almost no midfield, the round trip enlivened a match that also sparked revelry in the Dutch stands. Asensio was the key that De la Fuente touched in the locker room, giving entry to the Balearic Islands to have more depth and reach the second line. Spain responded with troops coming from behind, as Mancini did during the first half.

However, the aim was conspicuous by its absence, especially with a denied Morata. The Atlético de Madrid striker did not have his day and suffered when he fell offside, with an untimely slip or with a deflected sight. With everything, the chances and the move to the front of the Spanish team helped the 'Red' to suffer less behind.

Mikel Merino was the one who best understood the need to gain meters and had a point-blank chance with Donnarumma. The rejection was forgiven by Morata, but Spain was already in a position to catch loose balls and win duels, as Rodri, MVP and recent champion of the Champions League, did with a Chilean who narrowly went up.

Mancini made a move, bringing on Chiesa, Cristante and Verratti, while De la Fuente brought in Canales, Fabián, Ansu Fati and, finally, a Joselu who ended Morata's despair. The rotation confirmed the superiority of Spain, although with little, Italy had the best opportunity so far, wasted by a Frattesi who saw Unai Simón grow great under the sticks.

Overturned Spain, he hovered around the goal until Rodri's inspiration appeared, trying from outside the area as in his goal that was worth the Champions League for Manchester City. The shot from Madrid bounced off two rivals and landed in the domain of a Joselu in a state of grace. The Spanish celebration showed the desire and hunger for titles in a team that has not tasted glory since 2012.

--RESULT: SPAIN, 2 - ITALY, 1. (1-1, at halftime).

SPAIN: Unai Simón; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Rodri Hernández, Merino (Fabián, min.74), Gavi (Canales, min.69); Yeremy (Ansu Fati, min.74), Rodrigo Moreno (Asensio, rest) and Morata (Joselu, min.84).

ITALY: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Tolói, Bonucci (Darmian, descanso), Acerbi; Frattesi (Verratti, min.76), Jorginho (Cristante, min.61), Barella; Spinazzola (Dimarco, descanso), Zaniolo and Immobile (Church, min.60).

1 - 0, min. 3, Yeremy.

1 - 1, min.11, Building (penalties).

2 - 1, min.88, Joselu.

--REFEREE: Slavko Vincic (SLO). He admonished Alba (min.45 1), Gavi (min.57) and Morata (min.83) for Spain. And to Immobile (min.38) and Zaniolo (min.93) in Italy.

--ESTADIO: Twente Stadium de Enschede.