Can Spain revive their hopes against Italy in the Nations League semifinal?

Spain‘s Scoring Woes and the Pressure on Coach Luis de la Fuente

A Desperate Need for a Jack-in-the-Box

Spain‘s national team, known as La Roja, is facing a critical test in the UEFA Nations League semifinal against Italy. However, the team’s biggest weakness, their inability to score crucial goals, threatens to undermine their chances. Italy is notorious for their defensive prowess and organization, frequently playing out draws against Spain. With such tight matches expected, Spain desperately needs a player who can surprise opponents with match-turning goals. Unfortunately, that type of player has been lacking in the Spanish squad, thereby increasing the pressure on their coach, Luis de la Fuente.

The Jackals and the Job Security

De La Fuente, a relatively new and unassuming coach, has come under scrutiny in his short time in charge of the national team. A Spanish radio show suggested that he may be sacked if he fails to win the Nations League. These speculations were based on the belief that De La Fuente appeared “overwhelmed” by the team’s matches against Norway and Scotland. It is absurd to judge a coach’s performance after only two matches, but such is the nature of the intense scrutiny faced by managers in the world of football.

The Lack of Crucial Goals

Spain‘s goal-scoring struggles stretch beyond De La Fuente’s tenure. In their last 33 matches, the team has managed to score only once or not at all. This scoring drought has plagued them in crucial moments, leading to their elimination from several tournaments. The absence of prolific strikers like David Villa and Fernando Torres, who were instrumental in Spain‘s past successes, has contributed to their goal-scoring woes.

The Injuries and Missing Stars

De La Fuente cannot be blamed for the team’s lack of scoring options. The injuries to talented young forward Ansu Fati, who had a promising start to his career, and midfield maestro Pedri have deprived Spain of two of their best players. Additionally, experienced striker Gerard Moreno is also out due to injury, leaving a void in Spain‘s attacking options.

De La Fuente’s Success with Joselu

Despite the challenges, De La Fuente deserves credit for his ability to bring out the best in lesser-known players. Joselu, a 33-year-old striker who had been playing for relegation-threatened teams, has been a surprising source of goals for Spain. His 16 league goals this season, even amid a relegation campaign, compare favorably with many players in Italy‘s squad. De La Fuente’s faith in Joselu has shown that he can identify talent and extract the best out of his players.

The Romeo and Juliet of Alvaro Morata

The pressure to score crucial goals will likely fall on the shoulders of Alvaro Morata, the captain of the Spanish team. Morata has a complex history with Italy, having played for Juventus and experienced both triumph and disappointment against Italian opponents. In Euro 2016, Morata was effectively neutralized by his former Juventus teammates in a match where he was labeled as “soft” and “naive.” Two years later, he scored a crucial goal against Italy but faltered in the penalty shootout, resulting in Spain‘s elimination. Now, as the captain, Morata has the opportunity to rewrite his history against Italy and lead Spain to victory.

A Win to Secure Job Stability

If Morata can rise to the occasion and help Spain defeat Italy, it would not only advance them to the final but also bring much-needed stability to Luis de la Fuente’s position as head coach. The outcome of this match holds immense significance for both Morata’s personal narrative and De La Fuente’s job security.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Spain

As Spain prepares to face Italy in the Nations League semifinal, the team’s scoring woes and the pressure on coach Luis de la Fuente become central themes. The lack of impactful goalscoring options and the injuries to key players have put the team in a precarious position. However, De La Fuente’s success with players like Joselu and the resilience of Alvaro Morata provide some hope for a turnaround. The clash with Italy holds the potential to either solidify De La Fuente’s position or lead to his dismissal. It is a critical moment for Spain‘s national team, and the outcome will not only shape their immediate future but also determine their prospects for Euro 2024.