In a match that saw nine goals, numerous heart-stopping moments, and defensive strategies seemingly abandoned in favor of sheer will, Italy emerged victorious over Israel with a 5-4 scoreline in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Played in Debrecen, Hungary, under an unusually sparse crowd, this encounter was less a tactical masterclass and more a testament to the unpredictable, often chaotic, beauty of football. The Azzurri, under new manager Gennaro Gattuso, secured three vital points, but not without delivering a collective cardiac arrest to their supporters.
A Dizzying First Half: From Defensive Gaffes to Kean`s Brilliance
The stage was set for a straightforward affair, yet what unfolded was anything but. Israel, playing with the solemnity of armbands honoring victims of a recent Jerusalem terrorist attack, started with surprising conviction. Their 3-4-2-1 formation, quickly morphing into a five-man defense, aimed to stifle Italy. However, it was their offensive bravery, spearheaded by Biton and the `false nine` Gloukh, that truly unsettled the Azzurri.
Italy`s initial 4-4-2 setup, designed by Gattuso, appeared unbalanced. A glaring void on the left flank of midfield, coupled with a lack of coordination, allowed Israel to exploit spaces with disarming ease. The inevitable happened in the 15th minute: a cross from Biton, ostensibly harmless, found the unfortunate Locatelli, who inadvertently steered it into his own net. A goal that, frankly, few could dispute given Israel`s assertive start and Italy`s early lethargy.
For a team renowned for its defensive solidity throughout history, Italy`s backline was, to put it mildly, porous. Yet, amidst the disarray, glimpses of attacking quality began to surface. After a few near misses, including a crossbar strike from Locatelli and a chance for Kean, the tide turned. A precise long ball from Barella found Retegui, who deftly laid it off for Moise Kean. The striker, showing commendable composure, slotted home the equalizer, bringing a momentary calm to the Italian bench. The half ended 1-1, a scoreline that flattered Italy more than it reflected their performance.
Second Half: A Goal-Scoring Cascade and the Great Israeli Comeback
If the first half was a prelude to chaos, the second was the symphony itself. Italy started with renewed vigor, only for Israel to once again deliver a sucker punch. Just moments into the half, Solomon`s dazzling run left Politano disoriented, and his subsequent cross found Dor Peretz unmarked between Mancini and Bastoni. A colossal defensive error, another one, and Israel were incredibly 2-1 up.
But this Italian side, despite its defensive frailties, possesses an undeniable attacking spirit under Gattuso. Almost immediately, a long ball from Dimarco, flicked on by Retegui, found Moise Kean again. His second goal of the night, a testament to his predatory instincts, leveled the scores at 2-2. The goals were flowing, and the narrative shifted to who could outscore whom.
The Azzurri capitalized on Israel`s own defensive lapses, much like a game of `you score, we score.` Five minutes after Kean`s equalizer, Retegui set up Matteo Politano, who put Italy ahead 3-2. Gattuso introduced fresh legs, bringing on Frattesi and Orsolini, aiming to consolidate the lead. But Israel, with substitutes Baribo, Jehezkel, and Mizrahi, refused to surrender. They relentlessly probed Italy`s shaky defense, creating four massive chances that nearly resulted in another equalizer, with Donnarumma making crucial saves and Locatelli clearing off the line.
Then came the fourth Italian goal, a moment of respite that proved fleeting. Substitute Giacomo Raspadori, a serial super-sub, scored after good work from Frattesi, with Cambiaso initiating the play and Tonali contributing. Italy now led 4-2, seemingly in control. Or so they thought.
“To say the Italian defense was merely `shaky` would be an understatement; it was a veritable turnstile, admitting all comers with polite indifference.”
In a span of just two minutes, from the 87th to the 89th, Israel launched an astonishing comeback. First, a cross from Revivo resulted in an unfortunate Alessandro Bastoni own goal, making it 4-3. The stadium buzzed with disbelief. Then, almost immediately, Dor Peretz capitalized on another defensive lapse, scoring his second to level the score at 4-4. The Azzurri, who had been 4-2 up, now stared into the abyss of a forfeited lead and a potentially crippling draw. The collective groans of a nation were almost palpable, even from afar.
Tonali`s Late Heroics and the Road Ahead
With eight minutes of added time announced, the match transcended mere sport and became a test of nerve and character. Just when Italy seemed on the verge of collapse, Sandro Tonali, who had been influential throughout the chaotic encounter, stepped up. Receiving a pass from Cambiaso, Tonali unleashed what appeared to be a cross-shot, which miraculously found its way into the net. 5-4 to Italy. A goal of pure, unadulterated drama, securing a victory that was as thrilling as it was agonizing.
Gattuso`s tenure as head coach has started with an emphatic statement: ten goals scored in two matches, yielding six points. The attacking partnership of Kean and Retegui shows immense promise. However, the defensive side of the ledger paints a concerning picture, with four goals conceded to a team Italy had historically dominated since 1970. This win keeps Italy in contention for the top spot in their World Cup qualification group, currently tied with Israel (who has played one more match) and chasing Norway.
While the victory was essential for World Cup aspirations, it highlighted significant areas for improvement, particularly in defensive organization and tactical discipline. This encounter will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the sheer spectacle of footballing madness it delivered. The Azzurri survived, but they certainly made it interesting. For fans, it was a rollercoaster; for Gattuso, it`s a clear roadmap of work ahead.