Ferran Torres double sweeps Spain past Italy and into Nations League final

06-Oct-2021 21:07:40 | The Guardian

So this is how it feels. After three years in charge, having claimed a European Championship and set a new world record, Roberto Mancini finally tasted defeat. After 37 games unbeaten, a run that went back to Portugal in September 2018, before the coach took over, Italy lost at last. Two goals from Manchester City’s Ferran Torres set Spain on course for a 2-1 win at San Siro and Sunday’s Nations League final against France or Belgium on this same stage.

It is not the same, sure, but it was something, a revenge of sorts. Defeated in a semi-final at Wembley, Spain beat Italy back here. Mancini had reminded people that Spain were the team they had most struggled with and it had to happen sometime, somewhere, but few expected it to happen here and now. Spain came with injuries and absences, with teenagers too. If they were assisted by Leonardo Bonucci’s red card just before half-time, they were superb. They were also built in the image their manager, often questioned, often proven right, had demanded.