Italy return to Udine on Tuesday night time realizing that only one level might be sufficient to safe their place within the World Cup 2026 play-offs.
The Azzurri meet Israel solely a month after the 2 sides produced a exceptional nine-goal thriller that ended 5-4 in favour of Gennaro Gattuso’s group.
Italy entered September’s worldwide window with floor to make up in Group I, trailing Norway by 9 factors however holding two video games in hand.
They responded effectively, brushing apart Estonia in Bergamo earlier than heading to Hungary, the place they fought via a chaotic encounter in opposition to Israel.
Gattuso’s aspect regarded to have thrown away a significant win after surrendering a 4-2 lead, however Sandro Tonali’s stoppage-time strike sealed a dramatic victory and saved their qualification hopes alive.
Since that wild night time, Italy have stayed heading in the right direction with one other victory over Estonia on Saturday, regardless of a missed penalty from Mateo Retegui and a goalkeeping mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Having misplaced their opening qualifier to Norway, Italy have now gained 4 straight within the group, scoring 13 targets of their final three matches.
Israel, in the meantime, sit three factors behind Italy in third place, having performed one sport extra and holding an inferior purpose distinction. Solely a win will hold their faint play-off hopes alive.
Staff information for Italy v Israel
Moise Kean’s early purpose helped Italy previous Estonia on the weekend, however the Fiorentina ahead – who scored twice within the earlier assembly with Israel – suffered an ankle damage and can miss this match.
Gattuso can be pressured right into a defensive change as Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, paving the best way for Roma’s Gianluca Mancini to companion Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back.
Up entrance, Mateo Retegui ought to hold his place regardless of his missed spot kick in Tallinn, whereas Giacomo Raspadori is prone to begin in help. With Gianluca Scamacca, Matteo Politano and Mattia Zaccagni all unavailable via damage, choices in assault stay restricted.
Israel might be with out midfielder Dor Peretz, who scored twice in opposition to Italy final month. Dan Biton may drop to the bench after struggling in Norway, with Tai Baribo or Dor Turgeman in line to steer the assault.
Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh are anticipated to start out within the huge roles, whereas Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz ought to retain his place regardless of conceding closely in Oslo.
Anticipated line-ups for Italy v Israel
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Spinazzola; Raspadori, Retegui
Israel: Da Peretz; Dasa, Baltaxa, Nachmias, Revivo; Abu Fani, E Peretz; Khalaily, Gloukh, Solomon; Baribo
Methods to watch Italy v Israel: TV channel, on-line stream
The match will happen on the Dacia Enviornment in Udine on Tuesday, October 14. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm native time.
Within the UK, the sport might be accessible to look at dwell on Amazon Prime, whereas US viewers can tune in via Fox Soccer Plus or stream through FuboTV. In Italy, protection might be proven on RAI.
The stats for Italy v Israel
- Italy have gained 4 consecutive qualifiers after dropping their first to Norway
- The Azzurri have scored 13 targets of their final three group matches
- Israel are winless of their final three video games, conceding 14 targets in that run
- Italy have saved just one clear sheet of their final 5 qualifiers
- Israel haven’t certified for the World Cup since 1970
Prediction
Italy have momentum, house benefit and larger squad depth, whereas Israel are coming off a heavy defeat in Norway and should win to remain alive.
Gattuso’s aspect ought to full the job and e book their playoff place, although it won’t be simple.
