Isco double against Italy puts Spain on course for World Cup

Isco lit up the Bernabeu as Spain all but secured their passage to the 2018 World Cup with an impressive 3-0 win over Italy.

The Real Madrid playmaker was the start of the show as Julen Lopetegui’s side blew away the Azzurri to go clear at the top of Group G. Spain dominated from start to finish and that was reflected in the scoreline by the full time whistle.

It was Isco who opened the scoring after just 13 minutes, curling a wonderful freekick home from the edge of the box, before he added a second just before half time, finding the back of the net via the inside of the post with a low finish from the edge of the box.

The gloss was applied by substitute Alvaro Morata, who tucked home a finish at the back post after a sensational run and cross from Sergio Ramos, of all people.

It was an emphatic performance from a team that appear to be finding their groove in the run up to the World Cup final next summer.

While Spain had gone undefeated in their World Cup qualification group prior to this top of the table clash against Italy, they had yet to truly show their identity under their new coach. But this was a marker, setting a precedent for Lopetegui. Without a central striker, Spain were fluid across the frontline, with Italy unable to keep tabs on them. This is the kind of display we can should expect from them next summer.

This was the performance of a superstar. There were a number of players who impressed for Spain this evening, but nobody sparkled quite like Isco. The playmaker bagged a brace and was full of flicks and tricks throughout. Italy couldn’t get near him as he picked apart their defence from his floating role in and around the opposition penalty area.

Spain - De Gea 6, Carvajal 7, Ramos 7, Pique 6, Alba 6, Busquets 7, Iniesta 8, Koke 7, Isco 9, Asensio 8, Silva 7. Subs - Morata 7, Saul 5, Villa 4.

Italy - Buffon 5, Darmian 7, Barzagli 5, Bonucci 5, Spinazzola 5, Candreva 6, De Rossi 4, Verratti 4, Insigne 6, Belotti 5, Immobile 5. Subs - Eder 5, Gabbiadini 5, Bernardeschi 5.

13’ GOAL! Spain 1-0 Italy: What a strike! Spain have the lead and they deserve i having dominated the opening exchanges of this match. Isco took the freekick on the edge of the box and curled his effort over the wall and into the back of the net.

40’ GOAL! Spain 2-0 Italy: Another incredible goal! Isco receives the ball about 20 yards out, takes a step to the right and angles a low shot into the back off the net via the post. He has made this game his own.

68’ BIG SAVE FROM BUFFON! Wonderful play from Isco in the middle of the pitch sees him surge towards goal and set up Carvajal for the shot, but Buffon comes off his line to smother.

76’ GOAL! Spain 3-0 Italy: And that will be that. Ramos surges down the right hand side, sending a low cross to the back post where Morata was on hand to finish with ease. This has been some display from Spain.