Last year Spain and Italy saw their Men’s National Teams face off in the final of the UEFA European Championship. This Tuesday, in Israel, the two countries will see their Under 21 squads face off in the UEFA Under 21 Championship Final.
Spain, cruised to a 3-0 victory semifinal win over Norway today. After dominating the first half, it looked like Spain would come up empty and the two sides would go to the dressing rooms tied. However a first half extra time strike by Rodrigo would give the Spaniards the lead heading to the break. It was a lead they would never relenquish. In the 87th minute, rumored Manchester City transfer target Isco would give Spain a 2-0 lead, scoring on a brilliant volley. Morata would put the cherry on the top of the Spanish sundae with a goal in the 3rd minute of added time, putting the finishing touch on what was a dominant day for the Spanish Squad.
Meanwhile, Italy would use a 79th minute goal from Liverpool’s Fabio Borini to defeat the Netherlands 1-0 in the other semi-final. Borini took a good pass from Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne and made a great move to shake the defender and fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net for the only goal of the contest. The goal broke open what was generally a very even and well played match between the two sides. The Dutch had the lion’s share of the possession, but the Italians were dangerous in the counterattack all day long.
Italy has won 8 previous UEFA U21 titles, the most of any nation, but have been shutout of winning the event for 9 years now. Spain meanwhile are the defending champions of the Under 21. The final goes Tuesday at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.
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