- Football Italia Live Blog
- Group I Standings Overview
- Match Commentary
- Minute 26
- Italy Fans Protest During Anthem
- Minute 24
- Minute 21
- Minute 20
- Minute 16: Goal! Israel 1-0 Italy (Manuel Locatelli Own Goal)
- Minute 15
- Minute 13
- Minute 12
- Minute 10
- Minute 9: Substitution for Israel
- Minute 7
- Minute 6
- Minute 4: Israel Goal Disallowed!
- Minute 3
- Minute 1: Kick-off!
- Starting Lineups:
- Anthems and Atmosphere
Football Italia Live Blog
This live blog provides real-time updates with the latest relevant news from the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel. Stay informed without needing to refresh the page!
Join us as we recap all the build-up and action from this crucial match, which marked Gennaro Gattuso`s second game in charge of the Azzurri.
The game took place on neutral ground at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, with kick-off at 19:45 UK time (18:45 GMT).
Group I Standings Overview
The Azzurri, under Gattuso`s new leadership, began their campaign with a decisive 5-0 victory over Estonia on Friday. Despite this strong start, Italy is still working to catch up in Group I.
- Norway currently leads with 12 points from 4 matches.
- Israel holds 9 points.
- Italy has accumulated 6 points from 3 matches.
Match Commentary
Minute 26
Israeli crosses continued to be highly dangerous. Donnarumma once again looked less than reassuring on a long free kick delivered to the back post, which Shlomo then hooked onto the side-netting.
Italy Fans Protest During Anthem
Italian supporters registered their protest by turning their backs during the Israeli national anthem ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Debrecen. Banners calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza were also visible, as anticipated. This quiet form of protest had been observed previously.
Minute 24
Dimarco delivered a sharp cross into the box, but the Israeli goalkeeper managed to punch it clear under pressure.
Minute 21
Retegui attempted another shot, but it was blocked by the Israeli defense, resulting in a corner kick.
Minute 20
Italy appeared to be struggling to recover from their early mistakes and find their rhythm.
Minute 16: Goal! Israel 1-0 Italy (Manuel Locatelli Own Goal)
The pressure had been building, and Israel finally capitalized! Biton drove down the right by-line and pulled the ball back, surprising Donnarumma. Instead of Bastoni clearing it for a corner, Locatelli made a sliding tackle that tragically diverted the ball into his own net from three yards out.
Minute 15
Shlomo blocked Retegui`s strike, and then did the same to Kean`s shot from a more difficult angle. The substitute was proving very active in defense.
Minute 13
Retegui`s quick shot was charged down by Shlomo, showing some improvement and intent from Italy.
Minute 12
A terrible back-pass from Barella created a dangerous situation, forcing Donnarumma to sprint out and clear the ball under huge pressure from advancing Israeli attackers!
Minute 10
Italy earned their first corner of the match after a long throw-in. Kean headed the ball down, and Politano sent in another cross, but Israel`s defense successfully cleared the danger once more.
Minute 9: Substitution for Israel
Lemkin suffered an injury, appearing to be a potential hamstring strain, and was replaced by Raz Shlomo.
Minute 7
Lemkin received treatment on the pitch after fouling Kean and falling awkwardly during the play.
Minute 6
The foul on Donnarumma, which led to the disallowed goal, was committed by Lemkin, who backed into the goalkeeper and held onto him.
Minute 4: Israel Goal Disallowed!
On Israel`s second corner, the ball ended up in the net despite a Dimarco clearance off the line. However, the referee pointed to his arm, indicating a foul on Donnarumma, and the goal was disallowed.
Minute 3
While Italy appeared to be playing a 3-5-2 formation, Israel opted for a five-man defense. Donnarumma mishandled a dangerous low cross from Biton on the left by-line, forcing Bastoni to clear it for a corner, highlighting early defensive shakiness.
Minute 1: Kick-off!
The match between Israel and Italy has officially begun!
Starting Lineups:
Israel: Daniel Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Lemkin, Revivo; Dor Peretz, E Peretz; Khalaili, Gloukh, Solomon; Biton
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Tonali; Politano, Retegui, Kean
Referee: Vincic (SVN)
Anthems and Atmosphere
The teams emerged onto the pitch in Debrecen, Hungary. Israel, as the designated `home` team, wore blue, while Italy appeared in their white away kit.
The Italian national anthem was played first, with a small contingent of Italy fans present in the stands. The presence of Gattuso, Bonucci, and Buffon passionately singing the anthem on the touchline added a special atmosphere. The Israeli anthem, however, was met with loud boos from the small crowd.
