Thiago Alcantara inspired Spain Under-21s to European Championship glory, with the reported Manchester United target hitting a hat-trick as Italy were defeated in Jerusalem.

The 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder, part of the Spain side that won the tournament in Denmark two years ago, headed home his first after just six minutes, but Italy were quickly level through a fine Ciro Immobile goal.

Spain regained the lead through Alcantara in the 31st minute, before the son of Brazilian 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho completed his hat-trick with a penalty seven minutes later.

Manchester City target Isco added to Alcantara’s treble in the second half and, despite a nervy ending following a strike from Liverpool’s Fabio Borini, La Rojita retained their title in style.