Preview: Israel vs. Italy – prediction, team news, lineups

Preview: Israel vs. Italy – prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Monday’s Nations League match between Israel and Italy, including predictions, team news and potential lineups.

After they released their latest UEFA Nations League campaign with a stunning victory in Paris, Italy meet Israel in their second Group 2 match on Monday.

The Azzurri travel to Hungary with three points already in their pocket, where the match is being played for security reasons. Their opponent was defeated 3-1 by Belgium.


Match Preview

Preview: Israel vs. Italy – prediction, team news, lineups© Image

After setting a new record for the fastest goal conceded ever, Italy looked set to continue struggling on Friday night following a disappointing defence of their European title.

When Bradley-Barcola the ball stolen from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and shot past the Azzurri captain Gianluigi Donnarumma after just 13 seconds darkness could have descended Luciano Spallettion the side of ‘s; instead, they launched a rousing counter-reaction.

First, Federico Dimarco combined with the recalled Sandro Tonali to score a sublime equalizer, then Davide Frattesi put them up front for replacement Giacomo Raspadori took the points in the 74th minute.

By beating France 3-1 at the Parc des Princes, Italy secured their first victory in Paris in 70 years and confirmed Spalletti’s promise of a fresh start.

The Azzurri never really found their rhythm at Euro 2024 and were eventually knocked out in the last 16, so they have recruited new blood for their new quest to win their first Nations League title.

Spalletti’s predecessor, Euro 2020 winner Roberto Mancinileft after leading his country to the 2023 final, and subsequently to a third-place finish in the four-team tournament.

To do better this time, Italy must secure a top-two finish in Group 2 of Liga A, which would qualify them for the new quarter-finals.

Israel national coach Ran Ben Shimon pictured in June 2023© Image

While the Italians are aiming for a place in the final, Israel may find it difficult to avoid relegation. Teams that finish in fourth place are automatically relegated and teams that finish in third place play a play-off.

They were placed in a particularly tough group and were promoted from Division B in 2022 after finishing top of a group containing Iceland, Albania and – initially – Russia.

However, the calibre of the opponents has increased this season and despite drawing against Belgium on Friday evening, Ran Ben ShimonThe side was eventually defeated 3-1 by a Kevin De Bruyne-inspired lace in the Hungarian city of Debrecen.

The Sky Blues and Whites previously missed out on Euro 2024 due to a play-off defeat, where they lost 4-1 to Iceland. It has also been more than 50 years since they last played in a major tournament.

Because the conflict in the Middle East makes it virtually impossible to organize matches on home soil, Israel remains in exile: on Monday evening they have to play in Hungary again.

Form of the Israeli Nations League:

Form Israel (all competitions):

Form of the Nations League of Italy:

Form Italy (all competitions):


Team News

Riccardo Calafiori receives treatment for an injury while playing for Italy on September 6, 2024.© Image

Luciano Spalletti outlined his new tactical framework for the coming months against France, making eight changes to the Italian side that lost to Switzerland at Euro 2024, and switching to a three-man defence.

A member of that trio, Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiorisuffered a strange injury on Friday evening, as Ousmane Dembele unbelievably enough, landed on his leg. The ex-Bologna defender is expected to make a quick recovery.

The Azzurri will certainly be without it Gianluca Scamacca (ACL) and Nicolo Barella (sinus surgery), but international new boys Marco Brescianini And Caleb Okoli are both available, while Destination Udogie, Moses Kean and Sandro Tonali have all returned to the squad.

After scoring the third goal in Paris, Giacomo Raspadori could force his way into the starting line-up, along with Kean or Mateo Retegui up front in a 3-5-2 formation.

Meanwhile, Israel was left without a captain Eli Dasa due to an injury last week, so loaned to Leeds United Solomon Estate was captain of his country for the first time.

Only four of their starters have made double figures for first-team appearances and a similarly inexperienced side are likely to take to the pitch at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest on Monday.

Against Belgium, Anan Khalaili up front, but the striker of Maccabi Haifa Dean David is an alternative option next to Solomon and rising star Oscar Gloukh.

Possible Israel position:
Gerafi; Shlomo, Nachmias, Gandelman; Jehezkel, Lavi, Peretz, Gropper; Solomon, Gloukh; Khalaili

Possible line-up of Italy:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Bellanova, Ricci, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui


SM words green background

We say: Israel 0-2 Italy

Buoyed by their performances in France, the new Italy would face an Israeli team lacking international knowledge and experience.

If they were to now get six out of a possible six points, the Azzurri would be in a strong position for the match against Belgium in Rome next month.

For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scorelines and more for this match, click here.


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