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 going back to Portugal in September 2018, Italy lost at last. Two first half 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. “Historic,” Koke called it.
It is not the same, sure, but it was revenge of sorts. Defeated in a semi-final at Wembley, Spain beat Italy back in their own home. 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 here and now. Luis Enrique’s side came with injuries and absences, debates raging, and with teenagers too, the 18-year-old Yeremi Pino and 17-year-old Gavi making their debuts. Yet if they were assisted by Leonardo Bonucci’s red card just before half-time, they were superb.