Torres injured as Italy beat Spain

Italy edged out Spain 2-1 in an entertaining match at the Stadio Comunale San Nicola in Bari, with the world champions' night spoiled further by an injury sustained by Chelsea forward Fernando Torres. 

Torres was initially thought to have an ankle injury, but the Spanish coaching staff later confirmed that he had suffered a light concussion.

Both teams created plenty of chances in an end-to-end match, with Liverpool misfit Alberto Aquilani grabbing a deflected winner 16 minutes from time.

The first half in particular was a pulsating affair, with Antonio Cassano and Giuseppi Rossi a constant threat up against the Spanish defence.

It was Riccardo Montolivo who opened the scoring in the 11th minute though, with a cute chip over the advancing Iker Casillas that hit the underside of the crossbar and crept in.

Alonso replied from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after substitute Fernando Llorente went down under pressure from an out of position Giorgio Chiellini, but it was too be Spain's only goal of the match.

As early as the fourth minute Daniele De Rossi almost finished a flowing Italy move with a rasping drive from 25 yards which cannoned off the post to the relief of the sprawling Iker Casillas.

Spain failed to heed the warning as soon after Montolivo showed the class needed to lift the ball over Casillas for an early lead.

On half an hour Rossi should have doubled the lead, but he failed to steer his shot wide of the goalkeeper. Italy were to rue that miss as Chiellini's desperate defending resulted in the penalty that drew Spain level.

On the stroke of half-time Gerard Pique was withdrawn with an injury and replaced by Sergio Busquets at centre-back. Cassano immediately took advantage of Busquets lack of height as he climbed above the Spaniard, but put the header just wide.

The second half saw a raft of changes, but the quick tempo was kept up. Silva wasted a chance after being put in by the disappointing substitute David Villa, who himself hit a whole series of speculative shots wide.

Silva then played in Juan Mata, whose shot hit Llorente as he lay on the floor when it looked a cert for the back of the net. The introduction of Mario Balotelli added some further spice to the game, but it was another substitute Alberto Aquilani who grabbed the late winner.

A flurry of chances followed for both sides as Spain pushed on for the equaliser, but neither team took advantage as Italy held out for what was a very impressive result.