Italy strengthened their position atop Group A2 of the Nations League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Israel at the Boszik Arena in Budapest. The result, coupled with France’s 2-0 triumph over Belgium in Lyon, gives the Azzurri a three-point cushion at the summit of the group.
Davide Frattesi continued his rich vein of form under new coach Luciano Spalletti, opening the scoring with an unorthodox chest finish from Federico Dimarco’s cross. The Inter midfielder has now netted six times since Spalletti took charge, cementing his status as the team’s top scorer in this new era.
Moise Kean doubled Italy’s advantage in the second half, pouncing on a rebound after Giacomo Raspadori’s initial effort was parried. The goal marked Kean’s first for the national team in exactly three years, a welcome return to form for the Fiorentina striker.
Israel, who had shown flashes of danger throughout the match, managed to pull one back late on. Mohammad Abu Fani capitalized on some slack Italian defending from a free-kick to fire home through a crowded penalty area.
The match saw Spalletti rotate his squad following Friday’s impressive 3-1 victory over France. Notable inclusions were Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Raoul Bellanova, with the latter making a crucial early intervention to deny Manor Solomon a clear scoring opportunity.
While Italy will be pleased with the result and their commanding position in the group, the inability to keep a clean sheet for the second consecutive match may be a slight concern for Spalletti and his staff.
Israel (4-2-3-1): Gerafi; Jehezkel, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo; Abada (78′ David), Kanichowsky (68′ Abu Fani); Lavi (46′ Jaber), Peretz (68′ Safuri), Solomon; Khalaili (46′ Gloukh).
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Gatti, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Bellanova (62′ Bellanova), Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori (62′ Brescianini); Kean.
