Italy Edges Past Israel 5-4 in Thrilling World Cup Qualifier
Italy defeated Israel 5-4 in a thrilling World Cup qualifier, with Moise Kean scoring two goals and Sandro Tonali sealing the win in added time.
Italy gradually gained momentum, with Sandro Tonali firing a shot narrowly wide of the post from outside the penalty area...
Italy snatched a thrilling 5-4 win over Israel in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, held at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. This hard-fought victory extends Italy's unbeaten record against Israel to eight games. The Azzurri's win was a welcome boost to their World Cup qualifying campaign, which got off to a rocky start with a 3-0 loss to Norway.
The hosts began the game aggressively, thinking they had taken the lead within the first 10 minutes. A cross from Manor Solomon was headed towards Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the goalkeeper's punch inadvertently hit Federico Dimarco's head on the goal line, and the ball went into the net. However, referee Slavko Vincic surprisingly awarded a foul against Oscar Gloukh for impeding the player, despite it appearing that Donnarumma was the one who grabbed Gloukh.
The decision was contentious, with many questioning the referee's judgment. The play highlighted the importance of precise officiating in high-stakes matches. The incident also showcased the physicality and intensity of the game, with both teams vying for control from the outset.
Despite the early setback, Israel persisted in their attack and eventually took the lead around the 15-minute mark. Dan Biton's low cross was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Manuel Locatelli. However, Locatelli later had a chance to redeem himself with an acrobatic volley that unfortunately hit the top of the crossbar around the 30-minute mark.
Italy gradually gained momentum, with Sandro Tonali firing a shot narrowly wide of the post from outside the penalty area. Just before halftime, Moise Kean equalized for Italy by slotting home Mateo Retegui's pass past Daniel Peretz, leveling the score. This goal gave Italy a boost heading into the second half.
A vital three points earned ✅🔥#ISRITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/9UXX6vJ7Qb
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 8, 2025
The second half kicked off at a frenetic pace, with both teams exchanging goals in quick succession. Just after the restart, Dor Peretz scored with a powerful shot into the top corner, capitalizing on good work from Manor Solomon down the left flank. However, Italy responded swiftly, with Moise Kean netting his second goal of the match within 60 seconds, scoring a volley from a similar position to his first goal.
Italy continued to dominate, and Matteo Politano sealed the turnaround before the hour mark, poking the ball into the corner after another clever assist from Mateo Retegui. This goal gave Italy a lead, and they looked to hold on to their advantage as the match intensified.
Israel pushed back, with Manor Solomon testing Gianluigi Donnarumma with a cross that threatened to sail into the top corner, only for the goalkeeper to make a crucial save. Eliel Peretz then shot just past the post from the edge of the box, keeping the pressure on Italy.
However, Italy struck again, with Giacomo Raspadori finishing a slick team move to extend their lead. But just as it seemed Italy was in control, Alessandro Bastoni's own goal gave Israel a lifeline, slicing the ball past Donnarumma. The game continued its wild trajectory, and Israel equalized almost immediately when Dor Peretz headed in from close range, stunning Italy and sending the match into a thrilling finale.
Sandro Tonali sealed the win for Italy with a stunning curling shot into the bottom corner, despite Daniel Peretz's valiant efforts to salvage a draw for Israel. This thrilling victory marks a significant milestone for Italy and their manager, Gennaro Gattuso, who has now secured two wins from his first two matches in charge. With this win, Italy positions itself favorably to secure at least a playoff spot in the World Cup qualifiers.
Israel, on the other hand, will likely regret not capitalizing on their opportunities, having led twice in the match. Despite their valiant efforts, they ultimately fell short, highlighting the fine margins between victory and defeat in high-stakes football.
The match was a high-scoring affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Italy's Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean were among the goal scorers, while Israel's Tai Baribo and Oscar Gloukh also found the net. The win puts Italy in a strong position in Group I, although Norway remains the group leader with 12 points from four matches.
Group I Standings:
- Norway: 12 points, 4 matches played
- Israel: 9 points, 4 matches played
- Italy: 6 points, 3 matches played
The Azzurri's victory keeps their World Cup qualifying hopes alive, and they'll look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
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