Spain will play Croatia in the final of the 2023 Nations League after scoring late to edge Italy in Enschende.
While the first semi-final between Croatia and the Netherlands was a rip-roaring, six-goal affair, Thursday’s clash was a more tetchy and, at times, scrappy match that required a touch of fortune to decide.
La Roja enjoyed the bulk of the possession but looked to be heading towards extra time having failed to take their chances against a tired Azzurri side, which finally relented late on as Joselu poached an 88th-minute winner.
Jordi Alba’s cross was cleared as far as Rodri, who drove a first-time volley back towards goal which took two deflections before falling to Joselu. His quick thinking made for an easy finish but VAR was required to confirm he was onside from the initial effort - and it did.
Luis de la Fuente’s side now face Croatia in Rotterdam on Sunday, leaving Italy to face the Dutch for a third-place play-off.
The Azzurri were caught napping early on as Spain deployed their youthful energy in chasing down the Azzurri’s aged defence. Leonardo Bonucci, 36, saw the ball nicked off his toe by Yeremy Pino, 20, who rolled in the opener before the clock had reached three minutes.
It took Roberto Mancini’s side a bit more time to wake up yet they did so emphatically with a penalty won by Nicolo Zaniolo’s stabbed cross that hit debutant Robin Le Normand’s arm, after a lovely dink into the box by Jorginho.
Ciro Immobile, having ousted Mateo Regetui up front on his return to the squad, stepped up to calmly send Unai Simon the wrong way after 11 minutes.
Italy thought they had the lead when Davide Frattesi broke in off another smart Jorginho lob to slot home - however VAR stopped the celebrations short after spotting his run was offside.
Spain ended the first half gradually keeping more and more of the ball, helping them to make a confident start to the second half. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a mammoth palm to deny Mikel Merino from point-blank range before Alvaro Morata span a shot wide from three yards out.
The goalkeeper was less convincing moments later as a flap from a free kick allowed Rodri to try his luck, but an acrobatic effort flashed over. On 63 minutes, it was Unai Simon’s turn to show off his reflexes with a sharp stop from Frattesi after a sloppy spell from Spain.
It looked as though Spain’s dominance of possession would be for nothing yet Joselu popped up at the death to secure their second-straight Nations League final as they look to lift the trophy for the first time.
