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Joselu of Spain celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal against Italy in Enschede, Netherlands, June 15, 2023. /CFP
Substitute Joselu scored a fortunate winner three minutes from the end as Spain booked their place in a second successive Nations League final with a deserved 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday in Enschede, Netherlands.
Coach Luis de la Fuente's side will meet Croatia in Sunday's decider, while Italy will take on hosts Netherlands for the bronze medal.
Italy's defender Leonardo Spinazzola (L) fights for the ball with Spain's defender Jesus Navas during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal in Enschede, Netherlands, June 15, 2023. /CFP
Spain capitalized on a defensive lapse to take the lead inside three minutes as Yeremy Pino produced a cool finish, but when debutant Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box, Italy's Ciro Immobile scored his first international goal in two years from the penalty spot.
Spain enjoyed 61 per cent of possession but as has been the case for them in recent times, they struggled to make use of it.
"The team played a great game," Joselu told reporters, "...We dominated almost the entire second half, just the goal was missing."
The game fell into a lull in the final 20 minutes before Joselu, who had only been on the pitch three minutes, was in the right place at the right time to guide Spain into another final.
"Spain deserved it, even if they only found the goal right near the end. We set up slightly differently, but we couldn't do much in the second half," Italy coach Roberto Mancini said.
(With input from Reuters)
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466