Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini said he was ‘proud’ of their record 37-match unbeaten run and believed the UEFA Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain was ‘a necessary stage in the growth process’ for the European champions.
Italy were 1-0 down when captain Leonardo Bonucci was sent off for two bookings in the first-half, the second for an elbow on Sergio Busquets.
Manchester City's Ferran Torres doubled Spain's advantage just before the break. Lorenzo Pellegrini scored a late consolation for the Azzurri.
Giorgio Chiellini talks with Spain coach Luis Enrique after the final whistle on Wednesday
'It's a pity the defeat came in Milan, but there is proud for this extraordinary run of results,' Chiellini told RAI Sport, according to football-italia.