Italy defeats Israel on own goals

Italy's victory over Israel

Italy defeats Israel on own goals

Italy secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over hosts Israel in Group 9 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Hungary on Monday evening.

The Italian national team, under coach Gennaro Gattuso, struggled and fell behind to an own goal by midfielder Manuel Locatelli after 16 minutes. However, the four-time world champions managed to turn things around with two goals from striker Moise Kean in the 40th and 54th minutes, equalizing after Doro Peretz had put their opponents ahead in the 52nd minute. Italy then took the lead again with goals from Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori in the 58th and 81st minutes.

However, Gattuso and his players continued their struggles, conceding two late goals, scored by Peretz and an own goal by Alessandro Bastoni in the 87th and 89th minutes. The visitors struggled to secure a fifth goal, scored by Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the 91st minute, giving Italy three valuable points.

The Italian national team revived its qualifying hopes and avoided missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time, moving to nine points from four matches, second on goal difference behind Israel, who are in fourth place with nine points from five matches. Under Gattuso's leadership, the Italian national team will attempt to continue its revival when it visits Estonia and then hosts Israel on October 11 and 14 in the next two rounds.