Israel will hope to end their losing streak against Italy when they clash at the Bluenergy Stadium on Monday.
Italy will look to secure another three points and cement their place at the top of League A Group 2 as they host Israel in Udine for Monday evening’s UEFA Nations League fixture. Meanwhile, Israel face an uphill battle after a string of defeats leaves them rooted at the bottom of the group.
The Azzurri had a strong start in their last game against Belgium, taking an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui. Cambiaso’s opener, which came in the first minute after an 18-pass sequence, showcased the attacking fluidity that Luciano Spalletti has instilled in his squad. Retegui’s strike further solidified their dominance midway through the first half.
However, the Azzurri’s momentum was halted when Lorenzo Pellegrini received a straight red card for a reckless challenge. The resulting free kick led to Belgium pulling one back, and the ten-man Italy struggled to hold on as Belgium later equalised, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Despite the setback, Italy remain upbeat as they sit top of Group 2. Spalletti’s men have accumulated two wins and a draw from their three Nations League matches, including a victory over Israel last month. Spalletti’s side will now aim to extend their unbeaten run in the competition and secure a top-two finish ahead of November’s decisive fixtures.
Israel enter the match on the back of three consecutive defeats in the Nations League, and their chances of survival in League A are slipping away fast. The Sky-Blue and Whites were well beaten by France in their last outing, falling 4-1 in Hungary, where they are playing their ‘home’ matches due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Eduardo Camavinga opened the scoring early for France before Omri Gandelman briefly equalised for Israel. However, France regained the lead through Christopher Nkunku, with two late goals from Matteo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola sealing Israel’s fate.
Ran Ben Shimon’s side is four points adrift of third-placed Belgium and is staring at relegation back to League B. Without a single point from three games, Israel face a daunting challenge in Udine, especially considering their recent poor form and the fact that they have won only two of their last 10 matches – both against lower-ranked opposition (Andorra and Belarus). The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Italy
Luciano Spalletti is forced to make adjustments ahead of Monday’s clash due to the suspension of Lorenzo Pellegrini. Pellegrini’s absence comes after his red card against Belgium, leaving a gap in Italy’s midfield. Adding to Spalletti’s concerns, several key players are sidelined through injury.
Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Barella, Gianluca Scamacca, and Moise Kean are unavailable, along with Atalanta BC forward Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been called up but is likely to remain on the bench due to ongoing fitness struggles.
With such absences, Spalletti might be tempted to hand a first cap to Daniel Maldini, the son and grandson of Italian football legends Paolo and Cesare Maldini. However, it seems Giacomo Raspadori is expected to partner with Mateo Retegui in the attack, as Italy look to maintain their solid form in the UEFA Nations League.
In terms of formation, Italy is expected to line up in a 3-5-2 setup. Gianluigi Donnarumma will take his place between the posts, protected by a back three comprising Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, and Riccardo Calafiori. Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Dimarco will occupy the wing-back roles, providing width and balance. The midfield trio is set to feature Nicolò Fagioli, Samuele Ricci, and Sandro Tonali, with Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Cambiaso, Fagioli, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui
Israel
Israel face significant squad challenges ahead of their match against Italy, with key players missing due to injury. Captain Eli Dasa and promising forward Dor Turgeman are absent, adding to the team’s woes. Leeds United winger Manor Solomon is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving a gap in their attacking options.
Without Solomon;s creativity on the wings, Israel will rely heavily on Oscar Gloukh and Omri Gandelman to support their forward line. The team will look to Tai Baribo, the Philadelphia Union striker, to provide a cutting-edge up front.
In terms of formation, Israel are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 system. Omri Glazer will be in goal, with a three-man defence comprising Ilay Feingold, Idan Nachmias, and Raz Shlomo. On the flanks, Liel Abada and Doron Leidner will provide width, while Mohammad Abu Fani and Gabi Kanichowsky patrol the midfield.
Oscar Gloukh and Omri Gandelman are likely to play in more advanced roles, supporting lone striker Tai Baribo as Israel seek to counter Italy’s strong form in this critical UEFA Nations League clash.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Glazer; Feingold, Nachmias, Shlomo; Abada, Abu Fani, Kanichowsky, Leidner; Gloukh, Gandelman; Baribo
Key Stats
- Italy have never lost to Israel in international football, winning all six of their previous encounters. Their last meeting in the UEFA Nations League ended in a 2-1 victory for the Azzurri.
- Italy have kept clean sheets in four of their last five competitive home games, showcasing their defensive strength under Luciano Spalletti.
- Israel are currently at the bottom of their Nations League group, having lost all three of their matches so far. They have conceded a total of 10 goals in those games, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
- Italy have been formidable at home in recent competitions, winning eight of their last 10 home matches across all tournaments. They have also scored two or more goals in six of those encounters.
- Israel have struggled in front of goal, failing to score more than one goal in any of their last five competitive matches. Tai Baribo and Oscar Gloukh will be key to their attacking hopes, but they have lacked consistency in recent games.
Player to Watch
Federico Dimarco
The Inter Milan star has been one of Italy’s standout performers in recent matches, showcasing his versatility and technical ability. Operating primarily as a left wing-back or left-back, Dimarco’s pinpoint crosses and set-piece deliveries have been key to Italy’s offensive play. His attacking intent, combined with his defensive awareness, makes him a crucial part of Luciano Spalletti’s system.
In a game where Italy will likely dominate possession, Dimarco’s ability to create chances from wide areas and deliver dangerous balls into the box could be pivotal in breaking down Israel’s defence. Additionally, his energy and work rate on the flank provide Italy with stability both going forward and tracking back. Keep an eye on Dimarco as he looks to play a decisive role in Italy’s quest for victory.
Prediction
Italy 3-0 Israel
Italy will be heavy favourites to claim another victory in this clash. With home advantage and a squad boasting superior talent, the Azzurri will look to assert their dominance from the outset. Israel, on the other hand, will likely focus on damage limitation, but their defensive frailties make it hard to envision anything other than a comfortable win for the hosts.
