Spain, Italy solid in Euro 2020 qualifiers

GIJON, Spain, Sept 09 (AFP): Rodrigo and Paco Alcacer both scored twice as Spain eased to a 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in Gijon on Sunday to make it six wins from as many Euro 2020 qualifiers and inch closer to next year's tournament.

Captain Sergio Ramos equalled Iker Casillas' national appearances record with his 167th cap, but otherwise it was a low-key affair at El Molinon.

Spain now sit seven points clear in Group F after preserving their 100 percent record as second-placed Sweden were held to a 1-1 draw by Norway.

There was a minute's silence before the game in tribute to former coach Luis Enrique's daughter Xana who died of bone cancer aged nine last week.

Meanwhile, Jorginho fired Italy to within touching distance of Euro 2020 with a spot-kick winner that beat nearest rivals Finland 2-1 on Sunday and maintained his side's perfect qualifying record.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho's 79th-minute penalty in Tampere made it six wins from six for Roberto Mancini's side and sent them six points clear of the second-placed Finns in Group J, after in-form Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki had levelled Ciro Immobile's headed opener with a penalty of his own six minutes before.