World Cup hangs by a thread — Italy faces a must-win clash against Israel
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.09.25. | 13:10
It’s not all smooth sailing for the Italian national team, as their direct qualification spot is nearly out of reach, and even their playoff place is under threat
Italy and Israel, both victorious in their previous outings, are set to clash on Monday as they chase a spot at the 2026 World Cup. With Norway expected to top Group I, neither side can afford to drop points in Hungary, where the Azzurri will aim for a second consecutive win under new management.
After successive World Cup qualifying disappointments, Italy began their campaign with a 3-0 defeat in Norway, a result that ended Luciano Spalletti’s tenure and left them trailing the group leaders. Spalletti ended his stint with a narrow 2-0 win over Moldova before handing over to Gennaro Gattuso, whose task is to reinvigorate Italy and prevent a third consecutive absence from the World Cup finals.
Gattuso on the Italy vs Israel match next Monday:
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) September 7, 2025
“I am a man of peace, and the worst thing is seeing civilians and children being hit and losing their lives […] but we have Israel in our group, we have to play, it’s our duty,” pic.twitter.com/Fk5TDKx7Cd
Facing a nine-point gap and two games in hand, Italy approached this month’s international window playing catch-up. Their first mission was accomplished with a dominant 5-0 home win against Estonia in Bergamo.
Moise Kean opened the scoring, Mateo Retegui netted twice, and substitute Giacomo Raspadori added another before setting up Alessandro Bastoni for the fifth in stoppage time. The pairings of Kean and Retegui created numerous opportunities, and a total of 40 shots reflected Italy’s attacking firepower. Now, they confront a sterner test at Nagyerdei Stadion.
If Norway maintain their lead and secure direct qualification, Israel will likely remain Italy’s chief challengers for a playoff spot. Despite losing all six previous encounters with the Azzurri — including defeats in 2018 World Cup qualifying and last year’s UEFA Nations League — Israel head into Monday’s key clash with a three-point advantage over Italy, who still have one game in hand.
The Italy national team squad are due to set off for their World Cup qualifier against Israel on Sunday afternoon, and have trained twice and been given a long video analysis session by Gennaro Gattuso following Friday's 5-0 win over Estonia. pic.twitter.com/oApXqrmEPU
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) September 7, 2025
Israel come off a 4-0 away win against Moldova, with Dor Peretz opening the scoring and two more goals in each half sealing the victory. Ran Ben Shimon’s side aims to end a long World Cup absence, last appearing in 1970, and have kept their hopes alive with three wins around a 4-2 loss to Norway.
Monday’s showdown in Debrecen pits a resurgent Italy against an Israel side determined to hold onto second place, where even a single point could prove crucial.
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE
Monday
21.45: (5.80) Belarus (3.50) Scotland (1.67)
21.45: (1.25) Croatia (5.70) Montenegro (13.0)
21.45: (6.75) Gibraltar (3.60) Faroe I. (1.60)
21.45: (2.70) Greece (3.05) Denmark (2.80)
21.45: (7.75) Israel (4.50) Italy (1.42)
21.45: (3.90) Kosovo (3.50) Sweden (1.95)
21.45: (1.55) Switzerland (4.00) Slovenia (6.25)
***odds are subject to change***
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