World Cup Qualification: Italy Edges Closer with 3-0 Win

Italy secures top-two spot with 3-0 win over Israel

Italy secures a top-two spot in Group I with a 3-0 win over Israel, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record and closing the gap on leaders Norway.

Italy was awarded a penalty kick when Matan Baltaxa fouled Mateo Retegui in the box...

Italy sealed a significant victory over Israel, winning 3-0 at the Bluenergy Stadium and guaranteeing a top-two spot in qualifying Group I for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This win brings Italy closer to table-toppers Norway.

The match saw Italy dominate the early stages, with Mateo Retegui and Andrea Cambiaso both hitting shots that narrowly missed the target. Despite their strong start, Israel posed a threat on the counter-attack, with Oscar Gloukh curling a shot just wide of the post and Manor Solomon forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a crucial save with a tipped shot.

Italy was awarded a penalty kick when Matan Baltaxa fouled Mateo Retegui in the box. Retegui stepped up and confidently scored the penalty, placing the ball in the top corner. This goal continued Italy's strong trend of scoring before halftime in their recent home matches.

After the break, Italy came close to doubling their lead. Nicolò Barella hit a beautiful volley that flew just inches over the crossbar, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.

Despite trailing by a goal, Israel pushed hard for an equalizer. However, a brilliant save from Gianluigi Donnarumma denied them, as he parried away Oscar Gloukh's well-placed shot just before the hour mark.

Job done. 💪#ITAISR #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/bApM5qoGNY

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) October 14, 2025

Italy sealed the win when Mateo Retegui won the ball high up the pitch and scored with a beautifully curled shot into the top corner. The victory was confirmed deep into stoppage time when Gianluca Mancini scored from Federico Dimarco's assist, securing the three points for Italy.

Italy trails Norway by three points in Group I, with a significant gap in goal difference. However, with two remaining qualifiers, Italy still harbors hopes of securing an automatic spot in next year's World Cup finals, a feat they missed in the previous two editions.

The Azzurri's 3-0 victory over Israel has devastating consequences for the opposing team, as Israel is now mathematically eliminated from contention.