Torres sends message to Guardiola as he fires Spain into Nations League Final

Ferran Torres reminded Pep Guardiola what he has to offer as the Manchester City forward fired twice for Spain to seek revenge on Italy and progress to the Nations League final following a 2-1 victory.

The Euro 2020 winners were humbled by Spain as Luis Enrique's side ended their 37-match unbeaten run in style, with Leonardo Bonucci seeing red in the first half.

Torres opened the scoring as he latched on to a brilliant ball whipped in by Mikel Oyarzabal to fire his side in front after just 17 minutes, and the pair combined again to double Spain's advantage shortly after Bonucci received two quickfire yellow's before the break.

Italy pulled one back with seven minutes to go as Spain were caught napping, and Federico Chiesa was unselfish to allow Lorenzo Pellegrini an easy tap-in, but it was too late and the visitors held on.

Torres spearheaded a Spain side that looked ruthless throughout, sending a clear message to Guardiola that he could be ready to do the same for City.

Ferran Torres scored twice against Italy on Wednesday ( Image:

Getty Images)

It all seemed to be going well for Torres at City as the 21-year-old was a consistent starter for Guardiola to begin the season, grabbing a brace against Arsenal during a 5-0 onslaught.

However, since playing 70 minutes against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Torres appears to have fallen out of favour under Guardiola, being an unused substitute in four of City's last five games.

The match that Torres was picked for was City's Carabao Cup clash with Wycombe Wanderers, but the Spaniard still couldn't last the full 90 despite scoring during their 6-1 victory.

Guardiola has consistently made tweaks and amendments to his front line, but Torres hasn't seen a look in lately, and City have only won one of their four games that the Spaniard wasn't involved in.

It's a well documented opinion that City have everything at their disposal other than a striker, and it is yet to be seen whether the club will regret not paying over the odds for Harry Kane this summer.

Ferran Torres headed in from Mikel Oyarzabal's cross to put Spain 2-0 up ( Image:

MATTEO BAZZI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

It looked likely all summer that a deal would be eventually agreed between Tottenham and City, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy stayed firm and the Premier League champions dropped their interest.

Torres was electric against a typically well drilled Italian side, and displayed his array of finishing ability via a brilliantly controlled volley, and a beautifully placed header.

Many City stars have attempted to operate in a more central role for Guardiola, but Torres appears to be their best option after already featuring through the middle for Spain and former side Valencia on occasions.

With City lacking a ruthless finisher in front of goal, Torres could be the saviour for Guardiola, as his side look to retain the Premier League title and extend their recent dominance.

If City had a natural centre-forward on the field against Liverpool on Sunday, they likely would've taken all three points, but instead they had to settle for a 2-2 draw after missing an abundance of chances.

Torres may not be the most natural striker, but his recent performances have proven to Guardiola that he can rise to the challenge, and the City boss should put his faith in the Spaniard.