BETTING TIPS: Israel vs Italy Match Preview, Team News and Betting Guide
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.09.25. | 17:09
Italy look to avoid missing out on a third-consecutive World Cup finals
Israel hosts Italy in what should be a high-stakes affair in both teams' quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Skyblue and Whites will, however, not enjoy the privilege of hosting the game on home soil as they will stage the encounter in Hungary, a neutral venue.
Group I has seen Norway's 'Golden Generation' step up, in top position to qualify as they have won all their four games. This leaves little to no room to slip up for the chasing pack.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more news
Match Preview
Israel, absent from football's global showpiece since 1970, is three points clear of Italy and in the playoff spot.
The Skyblue and Whites have won three of their four games, scoring eleven goals, with Moldova bearing the brunt in the most recent Matchday, shipping in four goals.
Israel have won four of their last five matches and Ran Ben Simmons' side will look to not lose against Italy as a draw would still leave them in the promotion playoff spot.
Israel have won three of their last five home games; however, they have never won against Italy, losing six and drawing one. Losing the last four meetings between the sides.
Ran Ben Simmons' side are in top goalscoring form, having scored in their last six matches.
Setting up in a 4-2-3-1, Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo should lead the hunt for goals, with three goals in the last five matches for both club and country.
Maccabi Tel Aviv man Dor Peretz will also be one to keep an eye on with three goals in two games for club and country.
Italy faltered at the start of these World Cup qualifiers, having to part ways with coach Luciano Spalletti.
The Italian Football Federation rang changes and entrusted Gennaro Gatusso with the squad, aiming not to miss a third consecutive World Cup final. A stint not befitting the four-time world champions.
Italy have won just two of their last six matches. In the group, the Azzuri have played three games, winning two and losing one, making this match a must-win.
Italy, without a win in their last two matches, will look to the tactical acumen of Gatusso. Going with two midfielders in Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali against Estonia worked well as the team curved out chance after chance for the attacking duo of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui.
Israel, however, poses a different threat, a more formidable side in which Gatusso will need to add an extra body centrally.
Gatusso, known for his bite and resilient character, will look to instil more of that identity in his team. In Ricardo Calafiori, Alexander Bastoni, in front of Gianluigi Donarruma, he has a set base to start.
It will be an intriguing match, with emphasis on how Israel will set up to contain the flying Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Federico Dimarco.
While Gatusso will look to reinstate 'Catenaccio', which the Italians are well known for, he is seemingly finding his footing and desperately needs a win, as no other result will be favourable.
An end-to-end affair should be expected in this crucial World Cup qualifier.
Key Pointers
Italy are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Israel.
Italy have scored seven goals in their last two matches.
In the last three meetings between the two nations, both teams have managed to score.
Our Prediction: Italy to win and the match to have over 1.5 goals.
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
.jpg)
