Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates after scoring the winner during the World Cup European qualification game between Israel and Italy in Hungary, September 8, 2025. /VCG
Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates after scoring the winner during the World Cup European qualification game between Israel and Italy in Hungary, September 8, 2025. /VCG
Sandro Tonali's last-gasp strike spared Italy another humiliating stumble as they edged Israel 5-4 in a chaotic, nine-goal roller-coaster in Hungary on Monday, a result that keeps the Azzurri's 2026 World Cup hopes alive, if nervously so.
Italy had already floundered with a 3-0 loss to Norway in June, and the scars showed. Israel took the lead twice, only for Moise Kean to ghost in and equalize either side of halftime. Matteo Politano nudged Italy ahead in the 59th minute courtesy of a back-heeled assist from Mateo Retegui, and Giacomo Raspadori made it 4-2, prompting brief relief. It did not last: Israel struck twice in a frantic two-minute spell to make it 4-4, with Dor Peretz completing his brace.
Then came Tonali's audacious, speculative curler in the first minute of stoppage time, a shot that looked innocuous until it threaded a crowd and bulged the net. Italy breathed, Israel raged.
The match was littered with errors, including two own goals and some calamitous moments from new Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The win moves Italy ahead of Israel into second in Group I, three points behind Norway, and keeps a narrow path open to clinch the group's sole direct qualifying berth.