Spain strike late against Italy to reach Nations League final

Spain’s Joselu pounced with two minutes remaining to snatch a 2-1 win over Italy on Thursday and set up a Nations League final clash against Croatia.

Luis de la Fuente’s side shaded a tight battle in Enschede to progress to Sunday’s final, where Zlatko Dalic’s outfit are lying in wait after beating hosts the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Yeremy Pino sent La Roja ahead after three minutes but Ciro Immobile netted from the penalty spot to level and the game seemed destined for extra-time before Joselu prodded home from point-blank range to win it. The victory eases pressure on De la Fuente, who had been heavily criticised after March’s loss to Scotland, in what was only his second game in charge.

Joselu, who has three goals in three games under the new coach, who handed him his debut, managed to stay onside and convert after Rodri Hernandez’s effort was deflected into his path.

The poacher, 33, was relegated with Espanyol this season but netted 16 times in La Liga.

“I am very happy for everyone, the group and the coach deserve it,” Jesus Navas, who became Spain’s oldest ever player at 37, told Spanish broadcaster TVE.

“We played with great intensity, we’re delighted and we can be very proud of getting ourselves into the final.