Rodri will compete in another European final this weekend. The midfielder, whose goal in Istanbul sealed Manchester City’s first Champions League victory on Saturday, also played a major role in Spain’s 2-1 victory over European champion Italy on Thursday, advancing to the Nations League final against Croatia’s Luka Modric on Sunday.
At FC Twente Stadium, Joselu, an 88th-minute substitute, turned the game with his winning goal from close range after Rodri’s deflected shot dropped to him. The Espanyol striker was just onside.
It is Spain’s 2nd chance since reaching the Nations League final in 2021, where they defeated Italy in the quarterfinals before losing to France.
It was also a turning point for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who replaced Luis Enrique after the World Cup in Qatar. He came into the game under pressure following a tough win against a Norway squad lacking Erling Haaland and a 2-0 loss to Scotland in his first two matches in charge.
Spain scored a goal in the 3rd minute when senior Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci was tackled by Gavi and dispossessed by Yeremy Pino, who smoothly shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma for his 2nd international goal.
Ciro Immobile responded quickly for Italy, scoring a penalty in the 11th minute after Nicolo Zaniolo’s thunderous shot hit the arm of Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand, who was making his debut for La Roja.
Spain faces Croatia in the final on Sunday in Rotterdam, while Italy will face the Netherlands in the third-fourth match.