Spain secured their place in the 2018 World Cup after they eased to a 3-0 Group G win over Albania as Gerard Pique received a mixed reception.
But, given the disparity in quality between the two teams, Spain’s vastly superior goal difference and head-to-head advantage over Italy, the spotlight was always likely to be on Barcelona defender Pique.
And the centre-back received boos at his first touch at Estadio Jose Rico Perez, but was later brought off predominantly to applause in the second half.
Rodrigo opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a fine close-range effort before Isco’s fourth goal in three Spain matches and Thiago Alcantara’s header made the game safe in the space of 10 minutes.
Italy’s 1-1 draw with Macedonia means Spain go into the final round of fixtures on Monday guaranteed a place in the tournament proper, holding a five-point lead at the top, while Albania’s slim hopes of earning a play-off spot are over.
