Italy vs Israel – Line-ups, stats and preview
Italy return to Udine on Tuesday evening knowing that just one point will be enough to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
The Azzurri meet Israel just a month after the two sides produced a remarkable nine-goal thriller that ended 5-4 in favor of Gennaro Gattuso's side.
Italy entered the September international window with some catching up to do in Group I, nine points behind Norway but with two matches in hand.
They responded well, brushing aside Estonia in Bergamo before heading to Hungary, where they fought a chaotic encounter against Israel.
Gattuso's side looked to have squandered a vital victory after surrendering a 4-2 lead, but Sandro Tonali's stoppage-time goal sealed a dramatic victory and kept their qualification hopes alive.
Since this crazy evening, Italy has stayed the course with another victory against Estonia on Saturday, despite a missed penalty from Mateo Retegui and an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma's goalkeeper.
After losing their first qualifying match against Norway, Italy have now won four straight in the group, scoring 13 goals in their last three matches.
Israel, meanwhile, is three points behind Italy in third place, having played a game more and with an inferior goal difference. Only a victory will keep their faint play-off hopes alive.
Team news for Italy vs Israel
Moise Kean's opening goal helped Italy beat Estonia at the weekend, but the Fiorentina striker – who scored twice in the previous meeting against Israel – suffered an ankle injury and will miss this match.
Gattuso is also forced into a defensive change as Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, paving the way for Roma's Gianluca Mancini to partner Riccardo Calafiori in central defense.
Up front, Mateo Retegui should keep his place despite his missed penalty in Tallinn, while Giacomo Raspadori should start in support. With Gianluca Scamacca, Matteo Politano and Mattia Zaccagni all unavailable through injury, options in attack remain limited.
Israel will be without midfielder Dor Peretz, who scored twice against Italy last month. Dan Biton could return to the bench after struggling in Norway, with either Tai Baribo or Dor Turgeman in contention to lead the attack.
Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh are expected to start in the wide roles, while Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is expected to keep his place despite heavy concessions in Oslo.
Lineups expected for Italy vs Israel
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Spinazzola; Raspadori, Retegui
Israel: Da Peretz; Dasa, Baltaxa, Nachmias, Revivo; Abou Fani, E. Peretz; Khalaily, Gloukh, Salomon; Baribo
How to watch Italy vs Israel: TV channel, online streaming
The match will take place at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Tuesday October 14. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. local time.
In the UK, the game will be available live on Amazon Prime, while US viewers can tune in via Fox Soccer Plus or stream via FuboTV. In Italy, coverage will be broadcast on RAI.
The stats of the Italy-Israel match
- Italy have won four consecutive qualifying matches after losing the first against Norway.
- The Azzurri have scored 13 goals in their last three group matches
- Israel is winless in its last three matches, conceding 14 goals in this series
- Italy have kept just one clean sheet in their last five qualifying matches
- Israel has not qualified for the World Cup since 1970
Prediction
Italy enjoys momentum, home advantage and greater squad depth, while Israel is coming off a heavy defeat in Norway and needs to win to stay alive.
Gattuso's team should finish the job and book their playoff spot, although it might not be easy.
2025-10-13 14:59:00
