One man singled out as “the future and the present of the national team ” after Spain edge past Italy
Spain end Italy’s unbeaten streak
Italy’s long and impressive unbeaten streak finally came crashing down as they were beaten 2-1 by a young and energetic Spain side in the San Siro.
In a first half dominated by the visitors, Ferran Torres poked home a delicious cross from Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, before Leonardo Bonucci was sent for an early bath for a second yellow card offence, allegedly elbowing Sergio Busquets as they jumped for a header.
In the dying embers of the first half, Spain increased their lead, with Oyarzabal once again finding Ferran Torres for the Man City man to sweep home, and effectively put the tie to bed.
▪️ 37 games, 28 wins, 9 draws, 0 losses
▪️ Last defeat was Sept. 10, 2018 against Portugal
▪️ Broke the record for longest streak of clean sheets at 1,168 minutes
▪️ Won Euro 2020Italy’s 37-game unbeaten run is over, but what a run it was 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vncvt7W8lC
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 6, 2021
Italy did pull one back late in the piece, with Lorenzo Pellegrini converting a counter attack spearheaded by Federico Chiesa. However, it proved too little too late, and it was Luis Enrique’s side, not the European champions, that booked their place in the Nations League final.
Gavi dominates discussion
One man (or rather, teen) was on the lips of everyone across social media, in the form of Barcelona starlet Gavi. The 17 year old was thrust into the Spanish starting line up, making history in the process, and left many impressed with his display.
Gavi becomes the youngest player in history to represent Spain at just 17 years and 62 days old.
— Get Spanish Football News (@GSpanishFN) October 6, 2021
Tasked with competing with an Italian midfield of Jorginho, Nico Barella and Marco Verratti, Gavi did not look out of place at all, and kept the trio incredibly quiet.
Following the game, Luis Enrique was full of praise for the latest international, saying:
“Gavi? He is playing like in school or in the backyard of his house. It is the future and the present of the national team “
⚠️🔵🔴 Luis Enrique: “¿Gavi? Está jugando como en el colegio o como en el patio de su casa. Es el futuro y el presente de la selección” #fcblive pic.twitter.com/XCi64sDvFb
— Albert Rogé (@albert_roge) October 6, 2021
And Enrique was far from the only one:
The future is bright for Gavi. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/4rCr6Q9wka
— 90min (@90min_Football) October 6, 2021
17-year-old Gavi holding his own in the midfield against Jorginho and Verratti.
Barcelona have a gem 💎 pic.twitter.com/WEv0NCfptO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 6, 2021
Summary of 17-year-old Gavi’s midfield performance against Italy: pic.twitter.com/ddlhX48dqS
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 6, 2021
No player made more successful tackles in the first half of Italy vs. Spain than Gavi (3) and he also committed the most fouls (4).
17 years old and putting himself about. 💪 pic.twitter.com/GfP7hcJYLA
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 6, 2021
Gavi’s international debut by numbers, against the European champions Italy:
89% pass accuracy
68 touches
53 passes
7 fouls conceded
4 tackles made
2 take-ons completed
1 through ball
1 foul won17 years and 62 days old. ✨ pic.twitter.com/CDZMoISUoL
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 6, 2021
How good can the teenager become?
Read more:
Barcelona starlet handed Spain debut after just 7 senior club appearances
Why Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma was booed every time he touched the ball against Spain
