Spain put an end to Italy’s remarkable unbeaten streak of 37 matches, triumphing 2-1 in the Nations League semifinals. Ferran Torres netted twice in the initial half, the second goal coming after Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci received a second yellow card shortly before halftime, reducing his team to 10 players.

“We’ve been playing well for a while now. We are a young team playing well, and I think this victory is another step,” said Torres, who left the game early in the second half due to an injury but expressed confidence in being fit for the final against either France or Belgium on Sunday. “Victory over Italy in Italy. Now we’ll start thinking about the final.”

Italy’s Lorenzo Pellegrini managed to score late in the game, threatening a potential comeback, but ultimately, Mancini’s squad suffered its first defeat in over three years, breaking the world record for an unbeaten streak in international soccer.

Mancini, despite the loss, saw a positive side, stating, “It (defeat) would have come eventually. And better tonight than the final of the Euros or a World Cup final. But this game will give us more strength despite the defeat and help us realize that we are really a great squad.”

In Milan, Italy sought more silverware, while Spain aimed for revenge after their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 semifinals. Barcelona teenager Gavi Paez made history as the youngest player to debut for Spain, breaking a national record set in 1936.

The match at San Siro, attended by a passionate, sold-out crowd of 37,000, featured high tempo from the start, with chances at both ends. Despite Italy’s efforts, Torres opened the scoring in the 17th minute, taking advantage of Oyarzabal’s cross. Spain nearly doubled the lead, but Donnarumma’s rare mistake was cleared off the line by Bonucci.

Italy had opportunities to level the match, with Simon making crucial saves. However, Bonucci’s second yellow card just before halftime gave Spain the advantage. Torres scored again on the stroke of halftime, heading in Oyarzabal’s cross.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Italy pressed forward, and Chiesa hit the post, though the offside flag was raised. Spain maintained control, and Pellegrini scored for Italy late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.