Italy vs Israel Prediction World Cup Qualifiers 14.10.2025
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Italy vs Israel Prediction World Cup Qualifiers
Italy vs Israel Prediction and Betting Tips for Tuesday night’s World Cup 2026 qualifier in Udine. Gattuso’s men can seal a playoff place with just a draw, but they’ll be pushing for more. In this article, we dive into key storylines, team form, and data-driven insights powered by Soccer Stats.
- Italy need one point to clinch a World Cup playoff spot.
- Israel must win to stay alive in Group I qualification.
- Mateo Retegui has three goals in qualifiers so far.
- Italy are unbeaten in eight meetings with Israel.
Italy arrive with confidence sky-high after a commanding 3-1 win over Estonia. Gennaro Gattuso’s energy seems to have reignited the Azzurri spirit, four straight wins and 13 goals scored tell the story. Even so, this group hasn’t been kind to them. A few slip-ups early on left them chasing Norway, and there’s still work to do. Without Moise Kean, Matteo Politano, and Gianluca Scamacca, Italy’s attack looks a little patched up. But with Mateo Retegui leading the line and Sandro Tonali pulling strings in midfield, goals seem inevitable.
Defensively, Italy still look shaky at times. Conceding four against Israel last month and two against Hungary wasn’t ideal. But the flip side? They always respond. Gattuso’s approach is simple: intensity, movement, and a high press that forces mistakes. Gianluca Mancini should slot in for the suspended Alessandro Bastoni, while Giacomo Raspadori could start alongside Retegui. It’s a setup built to attack, not just protect a lead, that’s Gattuso’s way.
Israel, meanwhile, are clinging to faint hopes of qualification. Their 5-0 collapse against Norway was brutal, both in scoreline and spirit. Ran Ben Shimon’s squad is missing key man Dor Peretz, the same midfielder who scored twice in that crazy 5-4 defeat to Italy. Without him, creativity might be an issue. Tottenham’s Manor Solomon and Ajax’s Oscar Gloukh are expected to lead the charge, but it’s a tough ask in Udine against an Italian side in full rhythm.
Can Israel pull off a shock? Maybe, but it feels unlikely. Their defense has leaked nine goals in two matches and confidence looks low. Still, football loves a surprise. If Israel can keep things tight early and frustrate Italy, they might find moments on the break. That said, all signs point to another entertaining game with goals at both ends. Based on recent form and Soccer Stats, Italy look poised to take all three points and punch their playoff ticket in style.
Italy’s recent form under Gattuso speaks volumes. Four wins in a row, 13 goals scored, and a real sense of purpose after a turbulent start. They’ve beaten Israel three times in the last year alone, including that wild 5-4 in September. Even without Kean and Scamacca, the Azzurri still boast depth and creativity, Retegui, Raspadori, and Tonali have formed an effective spine. Israel, on the other hand, have struggled defensively, conceding nine goals in their last two outings. With Dor Peretz missing and morale low after the 5-0 defeat to Norway, it’s hard to see them holding firm in Udine. Italy simply have more quality across the pitch, especially at home. Add in the urgency to secure second place and the playoff spot, and it’s clear why Italy winning looks the most logical call.
When these sides meet, goals follow, lots of them. The last clash ended 5-4 for Italy, one of the wildest qualifiers this year. Both teams love to attack and hate to sit back. Italy’s front line keeps producing even without their star strikers, while Israel rely heavily on quick transitions and individual flair from players like Solomon and Gloukh. Defensively, both sides are vulnerable: Italy have conceded in three of their last five games, and Israel have shipped nine in their last two. With Gattuso’s pressing style and Ben Shimon’s counter-attacking setup, this one’s got end-to-end football written all over it. Over 2.5 Goals feels not just reasonable but likely — especially given the stakes and open nature of both teams’ play.
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