October 15, (THEWILL) — Italy defeated Israel 3-0 to guarantee at least a play-off berth for next year’s World Cup, with Mateo Retegui scoring twice in a match that never reached the heights of the sides’ previous nine-goal encounter. Gennaro Gattuso’s men claimed three points but delivered a performance that fell short of complete conviction.
The opening period saw Italy create the better chances, with Retegui firing wide before Andrea Cambiaso struck narrowly past Omri Glazer’s post. Israel responded with purpose, Oscar Gloukh testing Gianluigi Donnarumma before the goalkeeper made a more demanding save to keep out Manor Solomon. Retegui broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time after Mata Baltaxa fouled him inside the box.
Cambiaso thought he had added a second after the interval, only to see his volley chalked off for offside. Retegui made the game safe in the 74th minute with a moment of individual quality, regaining possession on the left flank before cutting inside and bending a superb shot into the far corner. Solomon hit the post shortly afterwards but Israel could not reduce the deficit.
Gianluca Mancini wrapped up the points deep into stoppage time, converting Federico Dimarco’s cross at the far post. The victory leaves Italy three points adrift of Norway at the top of Group I, with two fixtures remaining for each side in the qualification race.
The Azzurri will need stronger performances if they hope to catch Norway and avoid the play-off route. Gattuso’s reign has started encouragingly, but this workmanlike triumph suggested there is still progress to be made before Italy can be considered genuine contenders.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
