Spain defeated Italy, setting up a Nations League final against Croatia on Sunday, thanks to Joselu’s late winner.

Yeremy Pino beat Italy icon Leonardo Bonucci outside his own box before scoring Spain’s first goal in Enschede, Netherlands.

Ciro Immobile scored a penalty for Italy after Spain rookie Robin le Normand handled in the box.

After Rodri’s deflected shot, substitute Joselu pounced from close range to send Spain to the Rotterdam final.

“Now the most important thing is that we win this trophy,” said Rodri, who played a full 90 minutes just five days after scoring the winning goal for Manchester City in the Champions League final.

“It’s been a long time without a trophy, so that’s the opportunity we have on Sunday night.”

Spain’s most recent major title was the European Championship in 2012.

La Roja, who lost the 2021 Nations League final to France, will meet a Croatian team vying for their first international trophy.

Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday, Italy must face the Netherlands in the Nations League third-place play-off.

Spain wins a well-deserved victory, and De la Fuente Rodri is named player of the match.

Neither side is having a good time.

Morocco eliminated Spain at the World Cup in the final 16, while Italy did not even qualify for the competition.

Both teams have already lost Euro 2024 qualifying, with England defeating Italy and Scotland defeating Spain.

This result, though, is a significant boost for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who took over for Luis Enrique after the World Cup after a decade in charge of his country’s young teams.

It was a well-deserved victory for La Roja, who fielded several renowned players.

Le Normand, 26, was making his international debut just a month after earning Spanish citizenship after residing in the country for seven years while playing for Real Sociedad. At the back, he was teamed by Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, who was also born in France.

Sevilla’s right-back Jesus Navas, 37, had his first appearance in international competition since 2020.

“I’m super-pleased, proud of the group but happy for the coach – that’s how I feel right now when we can say we’re in the final,” Navas said.

“Our attitude and perseverance were also admirable.”

“The group worked hard, everyone gave it their all, but I’m very happy for Joselu that he got the winning goal.”