In a tense and politically-charged evening at Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy edged past Israel 3–0 on 14 October 2025 to guarantee themselves at least a place in the World Cup 2026 qualification playoffs.
The Italy vs Israel clash saw Mateo Retegui score a brace — from the spot just before half-time and with a curling finish in the 74th minute — before Gianluca Mancini added a late header in stoppage time. With this win, Italy keep alive prospects of automatic qualification, while Israel’s hopes are mathematically over.
This World Cup 2026 qualification match was fraught with off-field tension as much as on-field pressure, with heavy security measures and protests overshadowing the game.
Minute | Scorer | Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
45′ + 2′ | Mateo Retegui | Penalty after challenge by Matan Baltaxa on Retegui inside box just before half-time |
74′ | Mateo Retegui | Retegui intercepted a poor pass (Eli Dasa control error), then curled a shot into the top corner |
90′ + 3′ | Gianluca Mancini | Dimarco’s corner was met by Mancini’s header to seal the result |
Retegui’s penalty gave Italy a timely lead just before the break; his second goal added breathing space in the second half, and Mancini’s late strike provided the final flourish.
Italy started in a relatively conventional 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid under Gennaro Gattuso, with Retegui up front, Raspadori and Barella supporting, and a midfield core with Locatelli, Tonali, and Barella.
Israel responded with a compact, balanced 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 setup too, aiming to press and hit on transitions, relying on Solomon and Gloukh to create danger.
In short: Italy’s tactical discipline and Retegui’s individual quality delivered them the result, while Israel fell short in execution and defensive cohesion.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso remarked: “We really played the game we needed to play. We had everything to lose today. We played very, very well.”
He also acknowledged the tricky environment: “Honestly it wasn’t easy … for many days we were always there thinking that maybe there was the possibility of not playing the match.”
From Israel’s perspective, the loss ended their World Cup 2026 qualification dreams. Israeli media noted the squad’s fight, but recognized that tonight’s deficiencies were too pronounced.
The match was played in a tense atmosphere. The city of Udine was under heavy security: snipers were deployed on stadium rooftops, helicopters and drones monitored the area.
Pro-Palestinian protests were ongoing in the city center, with around 10,000 demonstrators. The stadium crowd was sparse — fewer than 10,000 tickets sold in a 25,000-seat arena — and some fans booed the Israeli national anthem, while others countered with applause.
Supporters described the ambiance as surreal: a crucial world cup qualifier overshadowed by political tensions. Many locals declined to attend, and strict security protocols (metal detectors, checks) further dampened the mood.
With this Italy vs Israel result, Italy climb to second in Group I (15 points), trailing Norway but six points clear of Israel, who have played one more game.
Israel’s defeat mathematically eliminates them from contention for a qualifying spot.
For Italy, the win secures at worst a playoff route to World Cup 2026 — a critical achievement given how close they came to missing out in previous cycles.
Looking ahead, Italy still have matches against Moldova and Norway. Victory or positive results in those games — combined perhaps with favorable results elsewhere — could yet tilt them into automatic qualification.