Emerson: ‘Italy had to lose eventually’

Emerson Palmieri tips his hat to Spain after the Nations League semi-final. ‘At times in football you have to lose and we lost after 37 games.’

The Azzurri saw their world record unbeaten run come to an end with this 2-1 loss at San Siro, decided by a Ferran Torres brace around the Leonardo Bonucci red card.

“We have to congratulate Spain, they put in a good performance,” Emerson told RAI Sport.

“The first half, when it was 11 against 11, we did well and created scoring opportunities, but we must also recognise the qualities of our opponents.

“Obviously, with an extra man it was easier for Spain, but at times in football you have to lose and we lost after 37 games. We now turn our focus to the next match.”

Gavi became the youngest ever debutant for Spain, having been born in August 2004, and the Barcelona talent impressed in midfield.

“I didn’t know him before this game, but he did really well, you can see his enormous potential. We should admire Spain for playing beautiful football. We did all we could in the circumstances, but unfortunately we lost.”