Italy eased past Israel 3-0 in Udine, keeping their World Cup dream alive and eliminating their rivals from qualification.
Italy took a giant step toward World Cup 2026 qualification with a composed 3-0 home win over a fading Israel side.
With Norway still leading Group I, Italy needed a victory in Udine to maintain their hopes of direct qualification or playoff survival. Mateo Retegui struck twice and Gianluca Mancini added a late third to confirm Israel’s elimination and secure second place for Italy.
The result means Italy cannot finish lower than second, guaranteeing a playoff berth at minimum with two games remaining. For Israel, with only one fixture left, the loss officially ends their hopes of reaching the 2026 global finals.
Retegui Shines As Italy Steers The Ship
After a chaotic 5-4 victory in the reverse fixture, Italy (11.26) delivered a much more controlled performance this time around.
Retegui’s brace showcased his growing confidence, with a penalty before halftime and a brilliant curling finish in the second half. His first came from the spot after he was fouled by Matan Baltaxa, and he confidently converted into the top corner. His second, in the 74th minute, was the game’s standout moment, dispossessing a defender, cutting inside, and bending the ball home.
“Especially in attack, we are achieving great results,” Retegui said post-match, pleased with the team’s growing rhythm and efficiency.
Donnarumma Key As Israel Start Strong But Fade Fast
Israel began the match brightly, with Manor Solomon testing Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 28th minute with a fierce long-range strike. Donnarumma responded with an excellent save, tipping the ball over the bar to preserve the early 0-0 deadlock in Udine.
Oscar Gloukh also came close in the second half, but once again the Italian goalkeeper stood firm to deny the Israeli midfielder.
Despite promising moments, Israel lacked end-product and was punished by Italy’s ruthless finishing and growing control as the match progressed. Israel’s World Cup campaign now ends in disappointment after falling short of consistency throughout the qualification journey.
Gattuso Pleased But Focused On Bigger Tasks Ahead
“We had everything to lose today, but we played very, very well,” said Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso after the final whistle.
Reflecting on last month’s 5-4 chaos, Gattuso praised the team’s composure, saying: “They made us dance back then, not today.”
With two matches left, Italy trails Norway (1.05) by three points but faces the leaders at home in the final group match. They visit Moldova next, where three points are essential before the potentially decisive showdown with the group leaders on Italian soil.
Even with two wins, Italy’s weaker goal difference means playoffs remain their likeliest route to the 2026 World Cup.
Tensions Off The Pitch Add To Charged Atmosphere
The fixture was played under heightened political tension, with protests and clashes occurring outside the stadium before the match began. Police in Udine deployed water cannons and tear gas after demonstrators threw firecrackers and barricades during a pro-Palestinian march.
Inside the stadium, some fans booed Israel’s national anthem, though applause from others worked to drown out the jeers. Attendance was around 10,000 in the 25,000-seat venue, with a visible but small group of Israeli supporters in the stands.
Despite the backdrop, the match itself remained free of disruption, and both teams conducted themselves professionally on the field throughout.
Italy Push On, Israel Bow Out
Italy now hold their World Cup destiny in their own hands, with a playoff ticket and potential group decider still looming. Gattuso and his charges will know the mission is far from over, but their dream of North America 2026 lives on, for now.
Israel, meanwhile, exited the campaign early, undone by inconsistency and an inability to convert pressure into points in key matches
