Compiled by Ranjika PereraFerran Torres scored a first-half brace to seal win for SpainFerran Torres scored twice and Leonardo Bonucci was sent off as Spain earned some semi-final revenge over Italy to reach the Nations League final, with a 2-1 win ending the European champions’ long unbeaten run. Italy sent on determined veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini at half-time and set up a grandstand finish when Lorenzo Pellegrini scored with seven minutes to play but Spain looked a formidable force ahead of their Sunday (10) showdown at the same venue, with either Belgium or France. Young prodigy GaviBarcelona prodigy Gavi (Pablo Martín Páez Gavira) has become the youngest player ever to appear in a senior Spain international after being picked to start Wednesday’s (6) UEFA Nations League clash with Italy. At 17 years and 62 days, he is the youngest man ever to pull on the Spain shirt, breaking a record, previously set by Angel Zubieta in 1936. Fellow Blaugrana wonder-kid Ansu Fati came close to breaking the record himself last year, making his Spain bow at 17 years and 308 days to become the second-youngest debutant after Zubieta.

Source: The Nation October 07, 2021 20:48 UTC