Statistical Analysis As Spain Defeats Arch-Rivals Italy In The UEFA Nations League

The UEFA Nations League semi-final witnessed two of the best sides in Europe and in the modern game as Spain locked horns with rival Italy.

It was the clash of the Titans as a place in the UEFA Nations League final was at stake for both European football Heavyweights.

The Spanish side began on the front foot, bridging the Italian defence for the opening goal of the game.

Veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci should have done better in preventing Yeremi Pino from getting into the box (right position) to apply the finishing touch for the breakthrough goal.

Following Spain’s 2-1 victory over Italy, Allnigeriafootball.com looks at the statistical analysis as it happened in the game.

                               Full Statistics

                               Shots on Target

7 (Spain)                                                                           (Italy) 3

Spain showed they were the better side in the attacking front as they made more fiery goal attempts than their Italy counterpart.

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Though the Italians had a couple of attacking moments against Spain. However, it was Spain’s superiority in the final third that proved the difference in the contest.

                             Shots off Target

6 (Spain)                                                                           (Italy) 4

Spain had the better chance to win the game which they did in the high-profile encounter. However, they also missed a couple of chances to make it a comfortable win for themselves at home.

From all indications, Spain had 6 shots off target as proof of the opportunities they wasted in the final third.

While Roberto Mancini’s Italy side managed about 4 shots off target in the UEFA Nations League clash.

                             Blocked Shots

6 (Spain)                                                                        (Italy) 1

The frenetic nature of the contest ensured that 6+1- 7 blocked shots were recorded in the match as both sides eyed a place in the UEFA Nations League Final.

In the end, it was Spain that defended better than their opponent Italy with 6 blocked shots in the game.

However, Italy managed only 1 blocked shot and they paid for their instability at the back with the defeat against their arch-rivals Spain.

                              Possession

61 (Spain)                                                              (Italy) 39

The possession statistics clearly says it all about the midfield quality both side had coming into this ultimate encounter.

Despite the presence of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi, Spain dominated the midfield to their credit.

Italy wasn’t helped either by the fact that PSG playmaker Marco Veratti was brought on in the 78th minute which was little time for him to get into the game and influence it to Italy’s advantage.

                           Corner-kicks

5 (Spain)                                                           (Italy) 2

Both sides went on the hunt for the glory of playing in the UEFA Nations League Finals as they chased down every ball in the epic contest.

And in turn, a couple of corner-kick was realized in the match. Both sides ensured a total of 7 corners in the clash.

Overall, Spain had about 5 corner-kicks as compared to Italy’s 2 corner kicks in the entire 90 minutes.

                          Offside

0 (Spain)                                                          (Italy) 3

The Italians were the victims of the offside calls as they were caught out by the linesman on several occasions.

While Spain maintained their lines amid their strategic endeavour to win the match. Italy tried to make something out of the tie by all means.

And they paid for it with their imperfections in the final third with the offside flag raised against them.