In a commanding performance, Italy triumphed over Israel with a score of 4-1, securing the top position in their Nations League group. Giovanni Di Lorenzo shone brightly, scoring two goals, while Mateo Retegui and Davide Frattesi also contributed to the scoreboard.
The Azzurri entered the match following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Belgium, where they lost their perfect record while playing with ten men. With Lorenzo Pellegrini suspended, coach Luciano Spalletti made several changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Giacomo Raspadori, Guglielmo Vicario, and Nicolò Fagioli.
Despite being at the bottom of the group, Israel had managed to score in all three of their previous matches. However, they were without key players such as Manor Solomon and Omri Gandelman due to injuries and Dean David’s decision to withdraw over playing time concerns.
The match kicked off with Oscar Gloukh coming close to scoring for Israel, narrowly missing the target after capitalizing on a mistake by Fagioli. Mateo Retegui also had a chance thwarted by Israeli goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
Italy’s early pressure continued as Riccardo Calafiori set up Raspadori, but his effort was cleared off the line. The Azzurri showcased impressive teamwork with quick passing sequences, leading to Retegui’s attempt being saved by Glazer.
After several missed opportunities, Italy finally broke through when Tonali earned a penalty after being fouled in the box. Retegui converted it with finesse, placing the ball into the top corner for his second consecutive goal for Italy.
In the second half, Italy extended their lead when Raspadori delivered a free kick that Di Lorenzo headed home from close range. This marked Di Lorenzo’s first goal since November 2022 and came on a night when he captained the team.
Israel responded quickly, maintaining their streak of scoring in every Nations League match. Mohammad Abu Fani curled in a goal directly from a corner kick despite Vicario’s claims of obstruction.
Italy nearly regained their two-goal advantage shortly after but were denied by Glazer’s spectacular save from a header by Alessandro Bastoni. The third goal eventually arrived when Calafiori set up Frattesi for a powerful strike.
In a historic moment for Italian football, Daniel Maldini became the first player to represent Italy across three generations, joining his father Paolo and grandfather Cesare in this remarkable achievement.
The match concluded with Di Lorenzo completing his brace after receiving a pass from Destiny Udogie. This emphatic victory not only solidified Italy’s position at the top of their group but also showcased their attacking prowess as they look forward to upcoming challenges in the tournament.
Goals: Retegui pen 41 (It), Di Lorenzo 54, 79 (It), Abu Fani 66 (Is), Frattesi 72 (It)
Italy (3-5-2): Vicario; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Cambiaso, Frattesi (87′ Buongiorno), Fagioli (46′ Ricci), Tonali, Dimarco (75′ Udogie); Retegui (84′ Lucca), Raspadori (75′ Maldini).
Israel (3-4-2-1): Glazer; Feingold, Nachmias, Baltaxa; Abada (75′ Baribo), Abu Fani, Kanichovski (46′ Jaber), Haziza (64′ Gropper); Gloukh, Do. Peretz (80′ Safuri); Madmon (64′ Khalaili).
