As far as football records go, the Italians’ record 37-match unbeaten streak remains a remarkable feat (list of all 37 matches follows below), although Algeria could be closing in before too long.
No. 8-ranked Spain got two goals from Ferran Torres at Milan’s Stadio San Siro and held on to win 2-1 and advance to the Nations League final in Milan on Sunday against Belgium or France. It was the first time that Italy conceded two goals in a match since June 2018 (3-1 friendly loss to France).
MORE: How the Nations League finals work and how to watch
Italy set the new world record for longest undefeated streak in international matches with its 5-0 World Cup qualifying win against Lithuania on Sept. 8, surpassing Brazil, which put together a run of 36 matches unbeaten in the 90’s.
Longest undefeated streaks in international football
Look out for Algeria, which is just eight matches behind Italy with the next longest active unbeaten run:
37 — Italy (2018- present ) 36 — Brazil (1993-1996) 35 — Spain (2007-2009) 31 — Argentina (1991-1993) 30 — France (1994-1996), Italy (1935-1939) 29 — Algeria (2018- present ) 23 — West Germany (1978-1981), France (2010-2012)
MORE: The memorable PK shootout that made Italy Euro champs
Italy’s record unbeaten streak
The Azzurri’s run came to an end at 37 matches. It had been over two years since its last loss: a 1-0 defeat to Portugal on Sept. 10, 2018. The streak included all senior national team matches from every official competition, including friendlies.
Head coach Roberto Mancini took over the men’s program in May 2018 on the heels of Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. After going 1-2-2 in his opening five matches, Mancini led his country to the world record of consecutive matches without a loss and a 28-0-9 overall record in that span (93 goals scored, 12 conceded) before the loss to Spain.
