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The latest chapter of this heavyweight clash between two European titans came just 3 months after Italy knocked out Spain 4-2 on penalties in the EURO 2020 Semi Final to reach the final. The Azzurri later went on to beat England 3-2 on penalties at Wembley to become European Champions.
Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 17th minute as he volleyed Mikel Oyarzabal perfectly timed cross into the bottom right corner.
The hosts were later reduced to 10-men as Veteran Centre Back Leonardo Bonucci recieved a second yellow card for a clumsy elbow on Spain's Sergio Busquets in the 42nd minute.
The visitors then took complete advantage of the red card as Oyarzabal and Torres combined again to put Spain 2-0 up at Half-time. Oyarzabal's cross was nodded back across goal from Torres. It was Torres' 12th goal for Spain in 21 appearances as he continued his fine form with the national team.
Italy did pull one back tough as Spain gave away a free run to Federico Chiesa. The visitors didn't take the full advantage of their corner and soon found themselves exposed at the back as Chiesa dribbled away from the entire team on the counter and slotted an unselfish pass to Lorenzo Pellegrini who had a simple tap-in in the 83rd minute.
Spain will now either face Belgium or reigning World Champions France this weekend. Italy meanwhile will play the loser of the second semi final for a third place finish.
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