Mateo Retegui celebrates one of his two crucial goals for Italy against Israel.
UDINE, Italy – In a night that encapsulated the complex spirit of Italian football – a mix of on-field brilliance, off-field distractions, and an ever-present fight for relevance – the Azzurri triumphed over Israel with a decisive 3-0 victory. This win, secured in Udine, was more than just three points; it was a crucial step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guaranteeing Italy a spot in the nail-biting playoffs next March. While direct qualification remains a mathematical long shot, the relief across the nation is palpable.
Gattuso`s Gallop and Retegui`s Resurgence
Under the new stewardship of coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian national team appears to have found a renewed sense of purpose and, perhaps more importantly, an uncanny ability to score. This latest win marks Gattuso`s fourth consecutive victory since taking the helm, with an impressive tally of sixteen goals in these matches. It`s a debut run that any coach would envy, a refreshing gust of wind for a team that has, at times, felt adrift.
The night belonged largely to Mateo Retegui. The Argentinian-born striker, a player whose inclusion in the national squad was notably championed by former coach Roberto Mancini, delivered a clinical performance. His first goal came from the penalty spot, coolly converted after he himself was fouled. The second was a moment of individual brilliance: stealing the ball and unleashing a magnificent curling shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Retegui`s brace not only secured the lead but also propelled his national goal tally to 11, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in Italy`s attack.
Donnarumma`s Redemption and a Tactical Masterclass
But football, especially Italian football, is rarely a one-man show. While Retegui netted the goals, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma quietly emerged as another hero of the night. After a recent error in a match against Estonia, the captain delivered a performance worthy of his stature, making two “miraculous” saves that thwarted Israeli attempts and preserved Italy`s clean sheet. These interventions were not merely saves; they were statements, reassuring the fans that their formidable shot-stopper was back to his best, a testament to his Champions League-winning form.
Gattuso`s tactical flexibility also played a significant role. Shifting from a 4-2-4 formation to a more balanced 3-5-2, the coach adjusted to Israel`s aggressive midfield and sharp counter-attacking style. Israel, a team of surprising quality, initially caused Italy discomfort, demonstrating good ball possession and creating dangerous opportunities, particularly through Gloukh, Solomon, and Baribo. However, Gattuso`s changes, including bringing on Pio Esposito for Raspadori in the second half, eventually allowed Italy to exert more control and find their rhythm. The third goal, a powerful header from Mancini off a superb cross by Dimarco, was the icing on the cake, sealing a comfortable victory in the end.
Beyond the Touchline: A City in Tumult
Yet, the narrative of the match was not confined to the eighty-by-fifty-meter pitch. The streets of Udine told a different story. What began as a peaceful afternoon procession in the city center escalated into clashes between protesters and police, creating a tense atmosphere of “urban guerrilla warfare.” While distant from the Dacia Arena, this unrest undoubtedly cast a shadow over the build-up to the game. Compounding this, the stadium itself saw a sparse attendance of only ten thousand spectators, contributing to a noticeably subdued ambiance. It was a stark reminder that even the beautiful game can sometimes be played against a backdrop of societal friction.
“It wasn`t a monologue like against Estonia; we struggled to keep the ball. Donnarumma made miraculous saves. But in the end, three points are three points.”
The Road Ahead: Playoff Peril or Direct Dream?
With the win, Italy now looks towards its final group stage matches against Moldova and Norway with a slightly calmer disposition. While technically still possible to qualify directly, it would require a confluence of highly improbable events, including a significant goal difference swing and an unexpected slip-up from Norway. Realistically, the Azzurri are preparing for the arduous playoff rounds, a path they’ve navigated successfully in the past, but one that also carries the painful memory of recent failures.
The journey to the World Cup for Italy is seldom straightforward. It is often a dramatic, winding road, filled with moments that test the national psyche. This victory against Israel, though marred by external events and an initially hesitant performance, nonetheless represents a crucial forward step. It highlights the potential brewing under Gattuso`s leadership, the emergence of talents like Retegui, and the resilient spirit of key veterans like Donnarumma. The Azzurri are not yet in the World Cup, but their path is now clearer, and the nation waits with a mixture of hope, trepidation, and a familiar, deep-seated passion for football.
