A dramatic victory for the Azzurri in Debrecen: Kean scores twice, Raspadori and Tonali also on target. Defensive chaos almost costs Italy, but three crucial points keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Italy remains in the hunt for the 2026 World Cup, but they did it at the end of a match so chaotic that “wild” doesn’t quite capture it. In Debrecen, Rino Gattuso’s Azzurri defeated Israel 5-4 in a rollercoaster of a game, swinging back and forth between hope, fear, and non-stop drama.
With this win, Italy climbs to second place in the group, temporarily holding a playoff spot and keeping their dream of qualifying alive. However, the match exposed serious defensive flaws, as the team came dangerously close to throwing away three precious points in the final moments.
Early Shock and Kean’s Response
It was a nightmare start for Italy. In the 15th minute, Manuel Locatelli accidentally turned a Dasa cross into his own net, giving Israel the lead.
The Azzurri reacted quickly, driven by pride and attacking quality. Mateo Retegui came close to equalizing, and Locatelli himself struck the crossbar soon after. Italy finally leveled the score in the 40th minute, thanks to Moise Kean, who finished expertly after a perfect pass from Retegui.
Second-Half Drama and Lead Changes
Just minutes into the second half, Israel regained the lead through Dor Peretz, capitalizing on another lapse in Italy’s defense.
But their joy lasted less than a minute. Kean struck again, this time with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box to make it 2-2.
Italy seemed to have taken control of the match from there. Matteo Politano gave the Azzurri the lead in the 59th minute with a precise left-footed finish, and substitute Giacomo Raspadori appeared to seal the victory in the 81st minute, stretching the scoreline to 4-2.
Collapse and Tonali’s Heroics
Just when the game looked over, Italy completely switched off. In the 87th minute, Alessandro Bastoni scored a shocking own goal — Italy’s second of the night — handing Israel a lifeline.
Moments later, in the 90th minute, Dor Peretz completed his brace to tie the match at 4-4, leaving Italy stunned and on the brink of disaster.
Then came the moment of salvation. In stoppage time, Sandro Tonali unleashed a rocket into the top corner, securing a dramatic 5-4 win and sparing Italy a devastating collapse.
Tension in the Stands
The match was played in a politically charged atmosphere. In Italy, many had questioned whether it was appropriate to play against Israel amid the country’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Comparisons were inevitably drawn to Russia, which has been banned from all international competitions since 2022.
During Israel’s national anthem, a group of Italian supporters turned their backs to the field and held up signs reading “Stop,” protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. The gesture highlighted the tense and divided atmosphere surrounding the match.
Italy Stays Alive in World Cup Race
With this win, Gattuso’s side moves up to 9 points, keeping pace with group leaders Norway.
Direct qualification remains difficult, but Italy showed character and attacking strength, even as defensive weaknesses were laid bare.
The road to the World Cup remains steep, but this wild and hard-fought victory could prove to be a turning point in Italy’s campaign.
Israel vs. Italy — Match Report
Scorers: 15’ Locatelli (OG) [ISR], 40’ Kean [ITA], 52’ Dor Peretz [ISR], 54’ Kean [ITA], 59’ Politano [ITA], 81’ Raspadori [ITA], 87’ Bastoni (OG) [ISR], 90’ Dor Peretz [ISR], 90+1’ Tonali [ITA]
Israel (4-2-3-1): Daniel Peretz; Dasa (66′ Yehezkel), Lemkin (9′ Shlomo), Nachmias, Revivo; E. Peretz, Dor Peretz; Khalalili (66′ Baribo), Gloukh, Solomon; Biton (66′ Mizrahi). Coach: Ben Shimon.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco (79′ Cambiaso); Barella (68′ Frattesi), Locatelli, Tonali; Politano (68′ Orsolini), Retegui (88′ Maldini), Kean (79′ Raspadori). Coach: Gattuso.
Referee: Vincic
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None
L’articolo Italy Beats Israel 5-4: Wild Match Decided by Tonali’s Last-Minute Winner proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
