As is usually the case, Diego Costa was in a fiery mood on Thursday night as he started up front for Spain in their World Cup qualifier against Italy in Turin.
The Chelsea striker was in the thick of the action early on as he battled with the Azzurri’s back-three, but constantly found himself coming up against Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.
In the 20th minute, the pair clashed for the first time, as seen in the video below, which shows Costa making contact with Bonucci’s face with a stray hand.
Classic Costa pic.twitter.com/YXTMGGl5e6
— Serie A News (@TransfersCalcio) October 6, 2016
Although the Italian international went down theatrically, there was still contact but fortunately for Costa referee Felix Brych didn’t see it and he went unpunished.
However, it wasn’t long before he did pick up a yellow card, as he was booked in the 44th minute for a challenge on Bonucci.
Walking a tightrope in the second half, it almost boiled over in the 66th minute as Costa was ruled offside by the linesman, and proceeded to kick the ball away in frustration, as seen below.
Second yellow should've been shown to Costa. Gets away with it as usual. #ItalySpain pic.twitter.com/hk4FcIdbrV
— Serie A News (@TransfersCalcio) October 6, 2016
Despite going on to argue with the referee and with the Italian players asking for a second yellow to be handed out, Costa escaped and Spain coach Julen Lopetegui smartly reacted quickly and replaced the Chelsea forward immediately after the incident with Alvaro Morata coming on before any more damage was done.
Spain took the lead in the game courtesy of Vitolo with a helping hand from a Gianluigi Buffon howler, although a late Daniele De Rossi penalty ensured that the group rivals earned a share of spoils in a game that Spain dominated and will feel they should have won.