Ciro Immobile insists Spain did not create many more chances than Italy and ‘a draw was fair’ in the Nations League semi-final, but it ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Immobile had converted a penalty to even out the result after a disastrous start, which saw Leonardo Bonucci caught in possession for a Yeremy Pino opener in the third minute.
In the final moments of the match, a lucky ricochet on Rodri’s strike allowed substitute Joselu to snatch it for Spain, kept onside by Francesco Acerbi.
“We fought to the end, unfortunately this double ricochet on the goal landed right at the feet of their strikers. This is football, we were playing well, but these things happen,” Immobile told RAI Sport.
“It is always difficult against Spain, they keep the ball and tire you out, but they didn’t create many chances really. In terms of scoring opportunities, I think a draw was fair.”
Italy will now face hosts the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon for third place in the Nations League, while later that evening Spain and Croatia go head-to-head for the trophy.
It is the second time the Azzurri have reached the Nations League Final Four and lost to Spain in the semi-final.
The Nazionale are also under pressure after a poor start to the qualifying campaign for the 2024 European Championships.