SAUL NIGUEZ scored a wonder hat-trick as Spain cruised through to Under-21 European Championship final after beating Italy 3-1.
The 22-year-old produced a masterclass at the Jozef Pilsudski Stadium as Albert Celades’ men set up a mouthwatering clash against Germany on Friday evening.
Despite no goals in the first half, both teams played out a lively encounter with either side enjoying large spells of the opening period.
Atalanta striker Andrea Petagna forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a smart save in the 24th minute, after the young striker tested the young goalkeeper from a tight angle.
It was in the 30th minute that saw the half’s best chance, with Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu lashing a left footed chance wide of the post after Dani Ceballos chipped him through on goal.
Sandro Ramirez then almost opened the scoring with a speculative effort, but it whistled inches over the top left corner.
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Spain’s pressure paid off early in the second period, when Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez found the bottom left corner in the 53rd minute with a brilliant curling strike.
Receiving the ball from Ceballos, he takes one touch with his right, before stroking the ball home with his left past the outstretched arms of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Things got worse for the Italians just seven minutes later when Roberto Gagliardini was dismissed for a second bookable offence, after a late challenge on Ceballos.
But incredibly they found themselves on level terms when Manchester United target Federico Bernardeschi found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, as his shot deflected off Jesus Vallejo and into the corner.
However, they once again found themselves behind when Saul bagged his second of the evening with one of the goals of the tournament.
Picking up the ball from 30 yards out, he let fly with his left foot which left the AC Milan goalkeeper yet again with no chance of denying him.
It was that man again who again netted for Spain, as he grabbed his hat-trick in the 74th minute with a delightful left-footed shot low into the bottom left corner for his fifth goal in three games.
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