A first-half Ferran Torres brace was enough on the night as Spain beat EURO2020 Champions Italy 2-1 at the San Siro on Wednesday night. Spain were looking to avenge a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat the last time these two heavyweights collided whilst Italy were aiming to extend their remarkable unbeaten run.
Ferran started the game alongside City teammate Aymeric Laporte whilst Rodri was an unused substitute. The City forward started the game in a similar position to where he's played for the Blues this season - as a false nine - with Laporte alongside Pau Torres.
Torres' first was a brilliantly taken finish on the volley after a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal with barely twenty minutes on the clock. Oyarzabal, hogging the by-line for this passage of play, whipped in a delightful high cross into the box which was past the Italy defender and right into the path of Torres, who instinctively flicked the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The second was taken superbly again but this time with his head. Mikel Oyarzabal once again the provider, the winger picked up the ball in the box and flicked a high cross right into Torres' path, and the 'striker' calmly cushioned the ball into the far corner - past a hopeless Donnarumma.
The forward, who now has eleven goals in his last twenty games for La Roja, was taken off with a knock to his foot moments after the second half began. Spain, who will face either Belgium or France in the final, will be praying it is nothing serious, as will City. The initial signs are positive, with the Man of the Match speaking post-match saying:
"I have some discomfort, but I'm already thinking about the final!"
Aymeric Laporte had no chance to prevent Italy's goal after huge errors defensively which allowed Italy to run through but he had another solid game, something that City fans have been accustomed to. Rodri played zero minutes which I'm sure will please City fans. The more rest our stars can get, the better.
Tomorrow: Belgium vs. France
Writer: @jrmcfc_
Follow our Twitter account for reliable, live updates on all the latest news and everything Manchester City in real-time.