Spain 3-0 Italy Returned to international football after three years

It is clear that the important part of Saturday's clash with Italy was Spain taking three vital World Cup qualifying points, however the highlight was David Villa's emotional return to the national team with the New York City FC forward unsure if he deserved the widespread affection he received.

The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu welcomed the former Barcelona star onto the pitch with rapturous applause and chants to show that Villa's achievements with La Roja haven't been forgotten.

He only managed a couple of minutes of playing coming off the bench but it was undoubtedly a memorable moment for the 35-year-old.

"This feeling is very difficult to describe, I am so happy but I genuinely don't know if I deserve so much affection," Villa explained to reporters.

Spain played a near perfect match against Italy on Saturday with a 3-0 victory perfectly highlighting just how dominant Julen Lopetegui's team were on the night.

Villa preferred to turn the focus away from himself and onto the whole side's performance as the veteran forward complemented his teammates.

"Spain has played a great game so everybody is happy, this was a key match in terms of qualification and it makes me very happy that I've been trusted for such an occasion," he noted.

Isco was the clear standout performer as the Real Madrid midfielder scored two goals and embarrassed the Italian midfield.

The performance was simply the latest in a string of recent displays where the former Malaga playmaker has shown he is living up to his potential and his development comes as no surprise to Villa.

"I knew Isco from his time with the Valencia academy, I'm very happy for him and he is in a great run of form," said the striker.

Spain's victory put them three points clear at the top of Group G for the World Cup in Russia and the former Atletico Madrid goalscorer was quick to make clear the team's desire to secure first place as quickly as possible.

"We want to finish in the top spot but in football you can't take things for granted, we have to prove that we are the better team on the pitch," stated Villa.