Spain coach Luis Enrique was delighted with their 2-1 Nations League semifinal win in Italy.
Ferran Torres hit a brace aided by Leonardo Bonucci's red card just before half-time, Lorenzo Pellegrini grabbed a late goal for Italy.
“The key was perhaps that we are capable of playing the way we always do, that is the key to this game," Luis Enrique told RAI Sport.
“Italy are so strong that they are always difficult opponents. I think it was one of the best matches of football that you can see at international level.
“We were able to press very well, block off some of Italy's qualities and in the end we created danger with players from the second lines. It was almost the perfect performance for us."
Gavi was a surprise in the starting XI, a Barcelona youth player born in August 2004, becoming the youngest ever debutant for Spain.
“See how good the kids are in Spain! It is not normal to see a player with this character, this confidence on his debut. He will be the future of the Spain squad and I think the present too," added Luis Enrique.
“Verratti is his idol! I told him, today you press Verratti from the first moment to the last. He loved it."
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