Sandro Tonali struck in added time to hand Italy a thrilling 5-4 triumph over Israel in World Cup qualifying. The Newcastle United midfielder drove a precise shot from a distance through a crowded box in the 91st minute, finding the bottom corner to restore Italy’s lead.
The contest, staged in Debrecen, Hungary, swung back and forth throughout, with both nations seeing momentum shift before the late decider.
Goals, setbacks and comebacks
Italy fell behind after Manuel Locatelli turned into his own net inside the opening quarter of an hour. Moise Kean equalized just before the interval, only for Dor Peretz to edge Israel in front once more shortly after the restart.
Kean responded again within minutes, before Matteo Politano completed the turnaround. Giacomo Raspadori then made it 4-2 in the 81st minute, appearing to put the visitors in control.
The closing moments, however, were chaotic. Alessandro Bastoni diverted the ball into his own goal to reduce the gap, and Peretz leveled with his second of the night two minutes later. Just as Israel looked set to snatch a draw, Tonali delivered the decisive strike.
Italy’s qualification challenge
The victory was crucial for Italy, who had already lost heavily to group leaders Norway earlier in the campaign. Norway sits on maximum points from four matches, while Italy cannot afford more slip-ups if they hope to avoid another qualification failure.
Italy has already missed the last two World Cups, despite lifting the European Championship trophy in 2021 after defeating England on penalties at Wembley.
Next up, Italy travels to Estonia on 11 October, hosts Israel on 14 October, and visits Moldova on 13 November. Their final group game could prove decisive, with Norway visiting on 16 November.
