Italy won an exciting and action-packed soccer match against Israel, finishing with a score of 5-4 during their World Cup qualifying game in Hungary on September 8. The game had a lot of twists and turns; Italy accidentally scored two own goals, meaning they accidentally put the ball in their own net. They fell behind twice during the match but managed to fight back each time. Even when Israel tied the game late in the match, Italy pulled together to secure the victory, keeping their hopes alive to qualify from Group I.
Italy’s Recent Form Under New Coach Gattuso
Italy recently had a successful start under their new coach, Gennaro Gattuso, winning their first match 5-0 at home against Estonia on September 5. Although their next game against Israel was not as impressive and played in a neutral location, they managed to secure a crucial victory and earn all three points.
After winning, Italy is now in second place in their group with nine points. They are just ahead of Israel thanks to a better goal difference and still have one game to play. However, they trail behind Norway, who has also played four matches but has three more points.
The best team from each group will automatically move on to next year’s finals. The teams that come in second place will have to compete in playoff games for a chance to qualify.
Early Drama and a Disallowed Goal
Italy came close to conceding a goal early in the match when goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma accidentally knocked the ball into his own net during a corner kick. However, the goal didn’t count because the referee ruled that a player from the opposing team had fouled Donnarumma.
The Italian team appeared to have some difficulties defending, and a careless pass from Nicolo Barella almost led to a goal when Eliel Peretz got close to taking advantage of it. Fortunately, goalkeeper Donnarumma was quick to react and cleared the ball just in time.
Israel got a well-deserved goal in the 16th minute to take the lead.
Eli Dasa passed the ball to Dan Biton, who returned it from the edge of the playing area. Unfortunately, Manuel Locatelli mistakenly kicked the ball into his own net, allowing the opposition team to score a goal.
Kean Levels the Score Before Halftime
Italy scored a crucial goal just five minutes before halftime, leveling the match.
Kean scored with a strong low shot from outside the box after M. Retegui passed to him.
Kean tried to score right after halftime by taking a shot that the Israeli goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, had to save. But in the 52nd minute of the 2nd half, Israel took the lead.
Manor Solomon skillfully maneuvered through the area before making a quick pass to Dor Peretz, who kicked the ball past goalkeeper Donnarumma with a swift shot.
Italy quickly equalized when Kean stepped up to score just two minutes later. After a great setup from Retegui, Kean struck the ball perfectly from outside the box, sending it into the net.
When Italy scored their first goal in the 58th minute, M. Retegui was important again. He made a clever pass using the back of his heel, allowing Matteo Politano to tap the ball into the net.
Late Own Goal Sets Up Dramatic Finish
Italy appeared to be on its way to triumph when G. Raspadori, who came off the bench, scored with only 9 minutes remaining. However, in an unexpected change of events, A. Bastoni scored an own-goal in the 87th minute, giving Israel a chance to tie the match.
Just when it seemed like Israel had secured a tie and put a dent in Italy’s chances of qualifying, Dor Peretz scored his second goal with a close-range header in the 89th minute. However, the excitement wasn’t finished just yet.
As the game neared its close, Sandro Tonali took advantage of an opportunity to shoot from outside the penalty area. His effort found the back of the net, surprising the goalkeeper. Thanks to this goal, Italy managed to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the World Cup.
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