Italy clinched a vital spot in the World Cup playoffs with a convincing 3-0 victory over Israel in a qualifier match held in Udine on October 14, 2025. Goals from Mateo Retegui, who scored twice, and a late header by Gianluca Mancini sealed the win, ensuring the Azzurri at least second place in their group amid ongoing qualification battles for the 2026 tournament.
This result comes after Italy’s dramatic 5-4 win against Israel in September 2025, highlighting the team’s growing strength under coach Gennaro Gattuso. The match unfolded in a tense atmosphere due to protests outside the stadium, but on the field, Italy showed control and precision to secure three crucial points.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Italy started the game on the back foot as Israel created early chances. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a key save from Manor Solomon in the opening minutes, keeping the score level.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Retegui earned and converted a penalty, firing a right-footed shot into the top corner. This goal shifted momentum, and Italy dominated the second half.
Retegui added his second in the 74th minute with a clever turn and curl into the net after winning the ball near the edge of the box. Mancini then capped the performance with a stoppage-time header from close range.
The win boosts Italy’s confidence after missing the last two World Cups, both times falling in playoffs. Fans celebrated the clean sheet, a rare positive in recent qualifiers.
Standout Player Performances
Mateo Retegui emerged as the star, netting a brace and proving his value as Italy’s leading scorer in qualifiers. His goals brought his tally to five in the campaign, making him a key figure in Gattuso’s attack.
Donnarumma’s saves were crucial, especially in denying Oscar Gloukh around the hour mark. His performance underlined why he remains Italy’s first-choice keeper.
Gianluca Mancini contributed both defensively and offensively with his late goal. Coach Gattuso praised the team’s balance, noting improvements in attack and defense.
Other players like those in midfield provided solid support, helping Italy maintain possession and limit Israel’s threats after the early pressure.
Group Standings and Qualification Path
Italy now sits on 15 points in Group I, six ahead of Israel, who have one game left and cannot catch up. Norway leads with 18 points, setting up a potential decider when Italy hosts them on November 16, 2025.
The group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Runners-up enter playoffs, a route Italy knows well from past failures.
Here is a quick look at the current Group I standings as of October 15, 2025:
| Team | Points | Games Played | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 18 | 7 | +12 |
| Italy | 15 | 8 | +8 |
| Israel | 9 | 7 | -5 |
| Moldova | 3 | 7 | -15 |
Italy’s next match is against Moldova on November 13, 2025, offering a chance to build momentum before facing Norway.
This setup keeps Italy in contention for automatic qualification if they can overtake Norway in the final games.
Off-Field Tensions and Broader Context
The match took place amid heightened security in Udine due to pro-Palestinian protests outside the stadium. Demonstrators clashed with police, and Israel’s national anthem faced boos from some sections of the crowd.
These events reflect ongoing global tensions, but the game proceeded without major disruptions inside the venue. Gattuso acknowledged the challenging atmosphere, commending his players for staying focused.
In a wider view, this qualifier ties into recent sports news where political issues intersect with events. For instance, similar protests occurred during other international matches in 2025, emphasizing the need for safe environments in global competitions.
Italy’s progress also contrasts with their struggles in recent years, including early exits in major tournaments. This win signals a potential turnaround as they aim for a strong showing in 2026.
Looking Ahead for Italy’s Campaign
With the playoff spot secured, Italy can now focus on topping the group. Gattuso stressed the importance of the upcoming games, saying the team played with everything to lose but delivered a strong performance.
Retegui echoed this, highlighting the squad’s building chemistry. Fans hope this form continues, potentially leading to direct qualification and avoiding the playoff pitfalls of 2018 and 2022.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Italy’s path offers lessons from past qualifiers. Key factors for success include:
- Maintaining defensive solidity, as shown by the clean sheet.
- Capitalizing on scoring chances, with Retegui leading the attack.
- Handling pressure in high-stakes matches like the Norway clash.
- Building team unity under Gattuso’s leadership.
This victory not only advances Italy but also reignites national pride in a team seeking redemption on the world stage.
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