Italy's World Cup heroics salvaged from determined Israeli challenge
In a thrilling encounter at the largely empty Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, Italy emerged victorious against Israel in a Group I World Cup qualifier. The match was a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of brilliance and errors, as both teams showcased their fighting spirit.
The early stages of the match saw Israel taking the initiative, with a snappier and more aggressive approach compared to Italy. However, it was the Italians who found the breakthrough, thanks to Moise Kean's low drive after collecting a knockdown from Mateo Retegui.
Israel responded swiftly, with Dan Biton's cross leading to Locatelli bundling the ball into his own net for Israel's first goal. The match continued in a seesaw fashion, with both teams creating opportunities and moments of danger.
Gennaro Gattuso, the new coach of Italy, expressed concern about his team conceding goals too easily, and his worries seemed justified as Israel took the lead for the second time, following a clumsy own-goal by Alessandro Bastoni and a header by Dor Peretz.
However, Italy showed resilience and fought back, with Moise Kean scoring another goal to level the match, nine minutes after Israel's second goal. Federico Chiesa provided a great volley for Italy's second goal, assisted by Mateo Retegui, and Mateo Retegui set up Raspadori for Italy's third goal, which was rolled home.
Israel would have been good value for the draw, as Italy had previously pulled out of the mire following their own-goal and a goal by Dor Peretz. However, Sandro Tonali scored an unusual winner for Italy, securing the three points after uncharacteristically bad defending nearly cost Italy the match.
The political climate was cast over Gattuso's first matches with Italy due to Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. A small group of Italian fans turned their backs on the pitch during the Israeli national anthem and booed, while some Italian fans held up banners reading "stop".
Israel's players donned black armbands in honor of the victims of a shooting at a bus stop in east Jerusalem. Despite the tense atmosphere, the match was played in a competitive and sportsmanlike manner, with both teams giving their all until the final whistle.
Italy trails leaders Norway by three points in Group I, with Israel currently in second place, level on points with Italy, who have played a game more. This dramatic victory will give Italy a boost of confidence as they continue their quest for qualification for the World Cup.
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