Relive Italy’s unforgettable 5-4 triumph, featuring standout performances from Kean and Tonali. Explore the match’s pivotal moments and expert analysis.
Introduction:
Italy and Israel delivered one of the most captivating contests of the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers, producing a nine-goal thriller that will go down as one of the most entertaining games of the campaign. In a match overflowing with drama, momentum swings, defensive lapses, attacking brilliance, and late match tension, Italy eventually emerged 5-4 winners in a night of football that had everything. From own goals to clinical finishing and nerve-shredding comebacks, fans in the stands and millions watching worldwide witnessed a genuine classic.
A Night to Remember
The game, played in a packed and passionate atmosphere, carried a rhythm that resembled a rollercoaster. Every time Italy looked to have taken control, Israel produced a response. Every time Israel threatened an upset, the Azzurri clawed back momentum. By the end of 90-plus minutes, it was fatigue, relief, frustration, and joy all mixed into one—the pure essence of football.
Early Drama: Locatelli’s Misfortune
Italy, usually defensively solid, stumbled early. In the 16th minute, Israeli pressure forced an own goal when Manuel Locatelli, attempting to cut out a dangerous cross, inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper. The unfortunate moment stunned Italy, especially as they had started aggressively with good possession and attacking intent.
The goal gave Israel belief. The home side, spurred on by their supporters, pressed harder and looked to capitalize on Italy’s unexpected nervousness. For a stretch, the Azzurri looked rattled, unable to break down Israel’s compact defensive shape.
Moise Kean’s Inspired Response
Just when Israel threatened to grow in confidence, Moise Kean stepped up. The Italian forward, known for blowing hot and cold, produced one of his electric nights. In the 40th minute, Matteo Politano slid in a clever ball that Kean latched onto, finishing with clinical precision to make it 1-1 and tilt the momentum back toward Italy.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, he doubled his tally. A scrambled Italian set-piece saw the ball bounce loose inside the box, and Kean reacted fastest, slotting into the net with a true poacher’s strike. In a matter of moments, Italy turned the scoreboard their way, leading 2-1, as Kean ran to the corner flag in celebration, his determination etched across his face.
Politano Extends the Lead
The Azzurri continued to build pressure, and in the 58th minute, Politano got the goal his hard work deserved. With confidence brimming, he cut inside cleverly and struck a crisp shot beyond the Israeli goalkeeper, giving Italy a 3-1 lead. At that moment, the contest seemed under control.
Dor Peretz Lifts Israel
Even before Politano’s strike, Dor Peretz had already clawed one back in the 52nd minute, pouncing with determination to give Israel belief. And as the game entered its closing stages, Peretz emerged as the key figure driving Israel’s fightback.
The drama escalated in the 87th minute when another slice of misfortune struck the Italians: Alessandro Bastoni, attempting to defend a dangerous cross, put the ball into his own net. The score suddenly read 4-3, and Israel’s crowd erupted in hope.
Raspadori and Tonali Close It Out
Giocamo Raspadori had earlier restored Italy’s cushion in the 81st minute, finishing off a quick counter-attack in classic style, seemingly putting the game to bed at 4-2. But with Bastoni’s own goal followed by Peretz’s emphatic second in the 89th minute, the match suddenly shifted once again, the scoreboard showing just 4-3 with adrenaline and nerves rising.
Israel were back within touching distance, and the Azzurri felt pressure mounting. Every Italian fan feared a late equaliser. Yet in stoppage time, the final say came from Sandro Tonali. Bursting through on a counter, he kept his composure and slotted the ball into the goal, handing Italy their fifth and finally securing victory in the 90+1st minute.
The final minutes still had tension, but the whistle ended a classic nine-goal thriller: Italy 5, Israel 4.
Lessons for Italy
For Italy, the victory provided three precious points but also underlined vulnerabilities. The attacking department looked lively, with Kean’s double and supporting goals from Politano, Raspadori, and Tonali ensuring a healthy return in front of goal. But defensively, issues clearly remain. Conceding two own goals and being exposed by Israel’s persistence revealed cracks that coach Luciano Spalletti will urgently need to address if Italy are to stand tall against Europe’s elite.
Yet, the hallmark of champions is delivering results even when under pressure. On a night where defensive errors cost them, Italy’s forwards came through, proving they have the firepower to cover weaknesses.
Israel’s Brave Effort
For Israel, the night ended in disappointment, but their fans will remember the fight and courage shown against one of Europe’s most decorated footballing nations. Dor Peretz was the standout—his well-taken double epitomized Israel’s resilience and provided the belief that they could challenge till the very end.
While defensive frailties were visible, particularly in handling Italy’s pace and movement, the attacking spirit and refusal to roll over deserve immense credit. Heartbreak comes with lessons, and Israel showed they are capable of troubling top-tier opponents.
A Qualifier Classic
This clash will be remembered as one of the UEFA Qualifiers’ most pulsating nights. The nine-goal chaos, the ebb and flow of momentum, the mixture of brilliance and blunder, and the relentless drama ensured neutral fans were treated to a classic. For Italy, this was mission accomplished, if nervy; for Israel, pride and heartbreak were delivered in equal measure.
Both teams left everything on the pitch. And for the fans, this was more than a football match—it was an emotional ride, proving yet again why the World Cup qualifiers consistently deliver unforgettable theatre.
