Triumphant Atletico round off LaLiga World tour in style

Atletico Madrid capped off their LaLiga World tour in fine style in the Italian city of Cosenza, where the Rojiblancos proved too strong for FC Crotone, as Diego Simeone's men registered another pre-season triumph.

There was a real party atmosphere inside Cosenza's Stadio San Vito-Gigi Marulla, where the Colchoneros were given a first-hand taste of the passion surrounding the game in Italy. The locals offered the Atletico expedition a warm reception, with Simeone and Fernando Torres proving to be the star attractions.

As for the on-field action, both sides put in high-octane performances, serving up a finely-balanced encounter in which the Madrid side's superior quality ultimately shone through. After a goalless opening half in which the visitors enjoyed the greater share of chances, it was summer signing Nico Gaitan who broke the deadlock to get off the mark for his new employers in the 58th minute. In the dying stages and with Crotone pouring forward in search of an equaliser, another of Atletico's new recruits, Diogo Jota, fired home to seal the win.

Following on from their stay in Australia, the Rojiblancos brought the curtain down on their LaLiga World tour on Italian soil, where they flew the flag for Spanish football at this LFP World Challenge event. Atletico's involvement in the programme has served to provide further evidence that the passion for LaLiga is clearly one that transcends borders.