Ciro Immobile struck the only goal as Italy beat the visiting Israel side to take a significant step towards securing a World Cup play-off place.
Italy put forward an underwhelming performance after their defeat against Spain but they now need only one point to secure a top-two finish in Group G following a 1-0 win over Israel in Reggio Emilia. Even before the match began, it was quite obvious that Italy would end up winning fairly easily.
Despite the drubbing against Spain, the Italians were faced with a far simpler task back on home turf as they aimed to tighten their grip on a play-off place, eventually doing so through Ciro Immobile. Although Israel lacked Spain’s quality, they were able to match Italy in terms of energy for a good chunk of the game and even looked threatening.
However, even though this match looked easy on paper, Israel did make the home side work for the victory. Moreover, Gian Piero Ventura’s men did not win this game as easily as they should have – which does seem like a worrisome prospect at this stage. THT takes a look at some of the best tweets about the match:
Same, Donnarumma. Same.
Wyd Italy? #ItalyIsrael pic.twitter.com/UIixvfT9AE— Mikala Paula (@mikalapaula) September 5, 2017
What did you guys think? #ItalyIsrael pic.twitter.com/DXnovPCYNa
— ItalianFootballTV (@IFTVofficial) September 5, 2017
Lots of empty seats at the Mapei. The Nazionale not exactly inspiring confidence. #ItalyIsrael #itaisr
— Michael DeAngelis (@Archangelmad) September 5, 2017
VIDEO! De Rossi's shot destroys Israel.. window! ?⚽️?? #ItaliaIsraele#memecronaca #ITAISR #ItalyIsrael #ITAvsISR #ItalyVsIsrael #Ventura pic.twitter.com/fOONsMqyLg
— Lele Angeli (@LeleAngeli) September 5, 2017
Although they expressed their thoughts over the lack of activity by Italy on the field, users were also quick to praise the likes of Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.
Immobile went from being overrated to underrated in the span of a few years- at the end of this season he maybe finally properly rated
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) September 5, 2017
#Immobile putting the azzurri ahead in the 2nd half. Candreva's assist. #ITAISR #WCQ2018pic.twitter.com/eT0hEas96h
— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) September 5, 2017
Ciro Immobile has scored more goals (6) than any other Italian player in 2018 World Cup qualifying. ?? pic.twitter.com/pRO1CX0lE6
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 5, 2017
Immobile this season:
Juventus ⚽️⚽️
Spal ❌
Chievo ⚽️
Israel⚽️— Rossé Marrai-Ricco (@RossellaMarrai) September 5, 2017
Immobile has now scored 6 goals for the Italian National Team under Ventura. More than any other player since Ventura took over.
— Raffaele (@ItalianoCalcio) September 5, 2017
If verratti and Insigne are supposed to be the future of Italy. Why not work tactics around them to see if they truly are worth the hype?
— NotizieDegliAzzurri (@GliAzzurriNews) September 5, 2017
? Torino's owner, Cairo: "If I could steal one player from the national team, I'd steal Lorenzo Insigne". pic.twitter.com/MH7YWEkWzk
— Everything Napoli (@NaplesAndNapoli) September 5, 2017
My two cents on Italy's last few matches- IMO the key is finding formation/system that gets most out of Bonucci, Verratti & Insigne
— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) September 5, 2017
Meanwhile, some fans also pitched in their thoughts about Candreva. They appeared to be divided on his performance despite him providing a brilliant assist which led to Immobile’s goal.
The problem with Candreva's great cross last night is that it was for Italy and we will have to wait another 500 attempts for the next one
— Mark (@burnerbean) September 6, 2017
very good performance from Candreva for Italy tonight. nice assist for the winning goal and lots of creative play. MOTM without a doubt.
— SerpentsofMadonnina (@SerpentsOfInter) September 5, 2017
Candreva assist, now please bring it back to Inter.
— Inter Per Sempre (@inter_mtl) September 5, 2017
Candreva assist, my drug ???
— Ed ? (@TheCalcioAddict) September 5, 2017
Candreva's cross was the assist! pic.twitter.com/3XM5Xxo04f
— ItalianFootballTV (@IFTVofficial) September 5, 2017
Italy play in the first half, pass to Candreva/Insigne… cross, headed away by Israel defence and repeat #ITAISR
— Scot Munroe (@scot_munroe) September 5, 2017