Despite leading Belgium 2-0 during the first half in their last UEFA Nations League (UNL) outing on Thursday, Italy eventually had to settle for just a point (2-2). On the face of it, that looks like a poor return given their advantage on the scoreboard, but as Lorenzo Pellegrini was dismissed in the 40th minute, it still proved to be a positive result which in turn kept the Azzurri on top of the highly competitive League A Group 2 after three matches (W2, D1).
Next up is the visit of Israel, a side whom Italy hold a commanding and near-perfect record against, which should further boost home confidence. A 2-1 victory for Luciano Spalletti’s side in September made it six H2H outings (W5, D1) without defeat, with the two home matches for Italy in that stint witnessing them win 7-0 on aggregate. And with an eight-match unbeaten run on home soil (W6, D2) in tow, they look good value to add to that.
Israel continue to struggle through this edition of the UNL as a 4-1 defeat to France on Thursday made it three losses in succession to begin their campaign. Their poor form could be forgiven when considering the external challenges faced by the squad, but they’ll need to find some more positive results quickly to avoid an instant return to League B.
On the basis of losing five of their last six internationals (W1), turning their form around here seems unlikely. That’s emphasised even further by the fact that, following defeats in recent weeks to Belgium, Italy and France, Israel have not beaten a side currently ranked in FIFA’s top ten since defeating Argentina 2-1 all the way back in a 1998 friendly (D4, L15).
Players to watch: After hitting seven goals in seven Serie A matches this season for Atalanta, Mateo Retegui recently recorded his fifth international goal, three of which have served as his side’s first of the game. Israel could look to Oscar Gloukh for inspiration as he has recorded seven goal contributions in six league outings for RB Salzburg this term (G5, A2), whilst also delivering an assist last round against France.
Hot streak: Each of Israel’s last six internationals have seen at least three match goals scored.
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