Post by : Rameen Ariff

Italy delivered a strong performance on Tuesday night, defeating Israel 3-0 at home in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The win, led by a stunning double from Mateo Retegui and a late goal from Gianluca Mancini, ensured Italy at least a playoff spot for the 2026 World Cup. However, the match in Udine was played against a tense backdrop, as police clashed with protesters at a nearby pro-Palestinian rally.

For Italy, this victory brought much-needed relief after their recent struggles in World Cup qualification. The Azzurri failed to reach the last two tournaments, both times falling short in the playoffs. Now, with this win, Italy moves one step closer to redemption. They stand second in Group I with 15 points, just three behind leaders Norway, who have 18, with two matches remaining.

Israel, sitting six points behind Italy with only one game left, can no longer catch up. The result means Italy is guaranteed at least a playoff berth, though they still aim to top the group and qualify directly. Gennaro Gattuso’s men will next travel to Moldova on November 13 before hosting Norway three days later in what could be the decisive match for automatic qualification.

After the game, Italy’s coach Gattuso praised his team’s determination and discipline. “We played exactly the way we needed to. There was a lot to lose tonight, but the boys showed great spirit and quality,” he said. “We all remember the previous game against Israel, where they made things difficult for us. This time, we showed real control and maturity.”

The match began with Israel creating early pressure, forcing Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into action with a sharp save from winger Manor Solomon. However, the Azzurri grew stronger as the game progressed. Just before halftime, Retegui was fouled in the box and calmly converted the penalty, sending a powerful strike into the top corner to give Italy the lead.

Israel nearly equalized around the 60th minute when Oscar Gloukh tested Donnarumma again, but the Italian keeper denied him brilliantly. Retegui struck again in the 74th minute, winning possession on the edge of the box and curling a beautiful shot into the top corner to make it 2-0. In injury time, defender Gianluca Mancini sealed the victory with a close-range header, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

Retegui, Italy’s hero of the night, praised the team’s progress after the match. “We are building a strong side. Our attack is improving, and our defense is getting tighter every game. We want to make the fans proud again,” he said.

Despite the win, the evening wasn’t without controversy. Before kickoff, some spectators reportedly booed Israel’s national anthem, though many in the stadium responded with applause to drown out the jeers. Meanwhile, outside the venue, clashes erupted between police and demonstrators participating in a pro-Palestinian march. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd after protesters threw firecrackers and barriers.

Attendance was estimated at around 10,000 in the 25,000-seat stadium, including a small group of Israel supporters waving their national flag.

Even if Italy finishes level on points with Norway, their lower goal difference means they will likely need to go through the playoffs in March to reach the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Gattuso remained hopeful but realistic. “We just need to stay focused, avoid injuries, and keep improving. Football can surprise you — maybe luck will be on our side this time,” he said.

With their spirits high and qualification still within reach, Italy’s fans will now eagerly await the crucial final two matches that could determine whether the Azzurri finally return to the biggest stage in football.

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