Italy's world record unbeaten run in men's international football is finally over.After 37 games without losing over the course of three years, Roberto Mancini's talented side were defeated by Spain in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night.A first half brace from Manchester City's Ferran Torres was enough to secure a 2-1 victory for Luis Enrique's men in front of a packed San Siro.Spain were helped by the fact that Leonardo Bonucci was sent off just before the break for elbowing Sergio Busquets. However, it was still an accomplished performance overall by a very young La Roja side.Enrique was missing a number of key men for the fixture, which resulted in him handing an unexpected debut to Barcelona's rising star, Gavi.Despite playing only seven games for the Blaugrana's senior team in 2021/22, the 17-year-old sensation is now the youngest player in Spain's history.
And he certainly didn't let his country down against the European champions.Gavi played 85 minutes in Milan - more than he ever has in a single game for Barcelona or Barcelona B - and barely put a foot wrong the entire time.Up against the likes of Ballon d'Or hopeful Jorginho and Marco Verratti, the teenager more than held his own and looked like a seasoned pro rather than a player who's just burst onto the scene.
ENTER GIVEAWAYGavi's passing was crisp and accurate, he contributed defensively by pressing Italian players tirelessly and looked a threat in attack.You can't really ask for more from a midfielder, can you?The kid is a special talent and his individual highlights from the night Spain sealed passage to the final of the UEFA Nations League are a joy to watch.
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Video: Gavi's brilliant debut for Spain vs Italy
It's been an awful season so far for Barcelona, but the emergence of Gavi is certainly a massive positive for the club and its suffering fans.
The diminutive midfielder's performance against Italy was understandably one of the hot topics on social media on and we've selected some of the very best reaction for you to view below.
Fans react to Gavi's performance
Enrique was also full of praise for Gavi after the final whistle, the former Barcelona manager telling the media: “We’re talking about a rare case in Gavi. He is playing on the pitch like as if it’s the backyard of his house, he’s the present & future of the national team."
Spain really are blessed with an absurd amount of young talent right now.
You have Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Yeremi Pino who're still teenagers, while the likes of Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Bryan Gil and Pau Torres are all 24 or younger.
We could be seeing the start of a new era of dominance by La Roja.