Italy 3-0 Israel: a wary win that keeps the World Cup dream flickering
Italy tightened their hold on automatic World Cup qualifying hopes with a 3-0 win over Israel in Udine, but the performance was far from flawless. In front of a sparse crowd at Stadio Friuli, the Azzurri finally found a winning formula that could help them negotiate a tricky finish to the group campaign, starting with Moldova away before a top-of-the-table showdown with Norway in Milan on November 16. The result matters more than the style, yet there are genuine concerns about consistency when the stakes rise.
First-half drama and the decisive moment
Israel created several half-chances and looked sharp on the counter early on, testing Gianluigi Donnarumma with quick, direct moves. Tai Baribo forced a fingertip save from the Milan goalkeeper after a rapid break, while Oscar Gloukh’s strike flashed narrowly wide following a well-orchestrated build-up. Italy steadied themselves only to suffer a late second-half scare, but the defining moment came just before the break.
Giacomo Raspadori’s ball into the box found Mateo Retegui, whose close-quarters duel with defender Matan Baltaxa ended with a clumsy challenge that sent the Al-Qadsiah striker to ground. Retegui stepped up and converted the resulting penalty with a precise strike into the top corner, giving Italy a lead that felt as much about momentum as technique. It was a brittle first half for the hosts, who needed the breakthrough to restore confidence and offer a platform for the second period.
Second half: Retegui seals it and a late flourish
Italy’s defense was sometimes exposed by Israel’s pace, but Donnarumma remained a constant, pulling off a sharp low save to deny Manor Solomon as the hour mark approached. The goalkeeper’s best moment kept Israel from leveling and allowed Italy to reassert control. The Azzurri finally punctured the nerves of their opponents with a second Retegui strike, a curling rocket from distance that arced beyond Omri Glazer into the top corner. The finish showcased Retegui’s eye for a decisive moment and Italy’s need for a reliable finisher amid a squad that still looks capable of better football when it matters most.
The game was sealed in stoppage time when Gianluca Mancini headed in from close range after a set-piece mishap in the right-back area. The Italian defense, under pressure at times, held firm enough to preserve the clean sheet and push the narrative toward the next fixtures—Moldova in Chisinau, followed by the Norway test that dominates the group’s outlook.
Tactical notes: what this win means for Italy
Coach Gennaro Gattuso’s side showed resilience in defense and a willingness to press high when possible, but the passing and possession phases yielded little sustained quality. Retegui’s pair of goals demonstrated his value as a predator in the box and his ability to seize opportunities in crucial moments. The penalty converted with composure suggests he can be a focal point as Italy balance the need for goals with the discipline required in a tight group.
Defensively, Italy still looked vulnerable at times to fast transitions, and the midfield did not consistently unlock a stubborn Israel back line. The fixture offered a reminder that while the numerical advantage is a boon, the quality of build-up and tempo will be decisive against teams that press with pace in the break. As the calendar moves toward November’s Norway clash, the objective remains clear: win the remaining matches and hope the group leaders stumble. A perfect formula would merge Retegui’s clinical finishing with a more controlled buildup and a higher-energy midfield presence.
Outlook: Moldova, Norway, and the path to 2026
Italy currently sit in a precarious position in their World Cup qualifying group, anchored by the threat of Norway’s goal difference and historical strength. With Moldova next and a potential decider against Norway looming, the Azzurri must translate sporadic moments of fluency into a consistent, confident performance. For Israel, a display with moments of genuine threat will leave coach Israel’s camp hopeful that the group’s more favorable fixtures can still salvage a desperate campaign.
