Spain boss Julen Lopetegui: 'We deserved three points'

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has bemoaned his team's inability to hold on to their lead in Thursday's 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Italy, which finished 1-1.

La Roja led in Turin courtesy of a 55th-minute effort from Vitolo, but Italy secured a share of the spoils in the Group G clash when Daniele de Rossi netted from the penalty spot late on.

Lopetegui has hailed Italy for their ability to "always have another life", but the recently-appointed Spain boss believes that his team did enough to deserve all the points.

"I think we had a good game overall, with an excellent first half. It's a shame that we didn't get the three points, we deserved to win but this is Italy, who always have another life," Lopetegui told reporters.

"We didn't counter their more-direct style in the final 20 minutes. Our opponents played with almost four forwards, while we had two centre-backs and a midfielder on a yellow card, and that conditioned us.

"They have a special ability and are also a great Italy. They had their moments, but I think we were better and deserved the three points. We didn't deserve this."

Spain will continue their qualification campaign with a trip to Albania on Sunday night.