Italy starting XI (3-5-2): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori, Cambiaso (subbed for Spinazzola), Barella, Locatelli (subbed for Cristante), Tonali (subbed for Cambiaghi), Dimarco, Raspadori (subbed for Esposito), Retegui (subbed for Piccoli)

Bench: Meret, Vicario, Gabbia, Udogie, Orsolini, Frattesi, Coppola

Goals: Retegui 45+2’ (Pen) 74’, Mancini 90+3’

Israel starting XI (4-2-3-1): Glazer, Dasa (subbed for Mizrahi), Baltaxa, Blorian, Revivo, Peretz (subbed for Abu Fani), Khalaili (subbed for Toriel), Biton, Gloukh, Solomon (subbed for Shua), Baribo (subbed for Turgeman)

Bench: D. Peretz, Tzur, Gandelman, Azoulay, Noy, Gropper, Stoinov

The game was played at the Stadio Friuli amid a tense atmosphere, with protests and heavy police presence dominating the build-up. Around 10,000 spectators filled the 25,000-capacity venue, and before kick-off, the Israeli national anthem was met with boos from some sections of the crowd.

Israel started brightly, pressing Italy high and creating early opportunities. Gianluigi Donnarumma made an incredible fingertip save in the 28th minute to deny Manor Solomon the opener.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Mateo Retegui was fouled inside the box and calmly converted the resulting penalty.

In the second half, Italy grew in confidence. Retegui doubled the lead and his personal tally in the 74th minute with a brilliant curling strike into the top corner after dispossessing an Israeli defender trying to break forward.

Gianluca Mancini added a late third in stoppage time by heading in Federico Dimarco’s in-swinging cross, sealing the win and giving the scoreline a convincing look.

Speaking after the match, Gattuso praised his team’s resilience: “We showed mental strength today. Now the focus must be on recovery and staying fit for the final push.”

The result cements Italy’s place in second in Group I with 15 points, three behind leaders Norway with two games remaining. Israel, now six points adrift with only one match left to play, can no longer challenge for a playoff spot.

Italy’s next fixtures will see them travel to Moldova before hosting Norway in what could be a decisive clash to determine direct qualification.