Watch the thrilling highlights of Italy vs Israel in the Nations League as Italy secures a dominant 4-1 victory. Relive the best moments, including stunning goals and key plays from this exciting football clash!
Italy vs. Israel: A Dominant Display in the Nations League
On October 14, 2024, Italy showcased their football prowess with a commanding 4-1 victory over Israel in the UEFA Nations League, held in Udine. This match marked a significant step for Luciano Spalletti’s squad as they edged closer to securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
Italy vs Israel Lineups:
Match Summary
The encounter began with Italy asserting their dominance in possession. Despite a promising chance for Israel, when Oscar Gloukh fired just wide from the edge of the box, it was Italy who took control. The breakthrough came just before halftime, with striker Mateo Retegui scoring a penalty in the 41st minute after a foul by Dor Peretz on Sandro Tonali. Retegui’s confident shot flew into the top corner, setting the tone for Italy’s offensive display.
Key Moments
Italy extended their lead shortly after the break. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the standout performer of the match, headed in Italy’s second goal from a well-taken free kick by Giacomo Raspadori in the 54th minute. The header bounced in front of Israel’s goalkeeper, Omri Glazer, before finding the back of the net.
Although Israel managed to pull one back in the 66th minute through Mohammed Abu Fani—who scored directly from a corner after a VAR check confirmed the goal—Italy quickly regained their composure. Federico Dimarco set up Davide Frattesi for Italy’s third goal in the 72nd minute, a low finish that restored their two-goal cushion.
Di Lorenzo capped off his exceptional performance by sealing the victory with his second goal of the night in the 79th minute, firing a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. This win not only emphasized Italy’s attacking capabilities but also highlighted Di Lorenzo’s growth as a goal-scoring defender.
Team Performance
Coach Luciano Spalletti praised his team’s attitude and execution throughout the match, particularly noting their ability to create scoring opportunities against a resilient Israeli side. “They were good in terms of team attitude in the first half,” Spalletti remarked, appreciating the effectiveness of Di Lorenzo’s contributions and the overall performance of his players.
For Israel, the defeat leaves them at the bottom of League A Group Two without a point, a disappointing start following their promotion in the previous edition of the Nations League. Coach Ran Ben Shimon acknowledged the tactical prowess displayed by the Italian side, stating, “You can see Spalletti’s hand on this team… when they play like they did tonight, it becomes really difficult for the opponents.”
What’s Next for Italy?
With this victory, Italy remains at the top of their group with 10 points, just one point ahead of France, who secured a 2-1 win over Belgium. To ensure their place in the quarter-finals, Italy needs at least one point from their remaining two group matches, including an upcoming fixture against Belgium in November, followed by a crucial home match against France.
Conclusion
Italy’s comprehensive 4-1 victory over Israel serves as a statement of intent in the Nations League. With standout performances from players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Mateo Retegui, the Azzurri are well-positioned for the challenges ahead. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see if Italy can maintain their form and continue their pursuit of glory on the international stage.
