Italy pulled off a stunning 5-4 win over Israel in a dramatic World Cup qualifying match held in Debrecen, Hungary. The Azzurri twice found themselves trailing and even conceded two own goals, but somehow managed to claw back and secure a late stoppage-time winner to keep their qualification hopes flickering brightly.
Early setbacks, fierce comebacks
The night started in disarray for Italy, with Manuel Locatelli flicking a Dan Biton cross into his own net to give Israel an early lead. Yet Italy responded five minutes before the break as Moise Kean tucked in a finish off a lay-off from Mateo Retegui, cancelling out the own goal.
A second-half twist came quickly: Israel went ahead again through Dor Peretz, but once more Italy struck back almost immediately. Kean again drew them level before Matteo Politano put Italy in the lead with a cheeky flick from Retegui’s pass.
Giacomo Raspadori seemed to seal the win late on, but the Azzurri’s troubles weren’t over. Alessandro Bastoni deflected a ball into his own net in the 87th minute, and Peretz bagged his second in the 89th to leave the score at 4-4 as time ran out.
The climax arrived in added time. Sandro Tonali unleashed a speculative long-range effort that slipped through the goalkeeper’s grasp and found the net, sparking ecstatic celebrations and preserving Italy’s slim hopes of World Cup qualification.
Key performances and aftermath
- Moise Kean stole the show with two goals and a vital assist, showcasing a formidable partnership with Retegui .
- Gennaro Gattuso, praised his side’s resilience, calling it “a crazy game,” but also voiced serious concern about Italy’s defensive frailties. He stressed the need for improvements despite the 2-0 win over Estonia starter.
Group standings and what this means
The result lifts Italy to second place in Group I with nine points—level on points with Israel, but ahead thanks to superior goal difference and an extra game in hand. Norway still leads the group by three points.
Only group winners qualify directly for the World Cup, while the runners-up must go through playoffs. Italy now have a clearer path—but much to rectify if they’re to make it to 2026.
Summary
Italy turned a chaotic, eventful qualifier into a clutch victory. The match featured two own goals, four lead changes, two heroic goals from Kean, and Tonali’s last-ditch winner. Gattuso’s men remain firmly in the race—but with defense needing urgent tightening.
