Italy Emerges Victorious Over Israel in Nations League Group Leaderboard

Italy extended their recovery after Euro 2024 with a hard-fought 2-1 Nations League victory over Israel in Budapest on Monday. The Azzurri now sit at the top of Group A2 following goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean in each half. The match took place at the Bozsik Arena, which was the designated home venue for Israel due to security concerns in the Middle East. Despite the subdued atmosphere, Italy showed resilience and determination to secure the win. Under the guidance of manager Luciano Spalletti, the team has bounced back from their disappointing European Championship campaign, where they were knocked out in the last-16 stage. This latest victory marks Italy's second win in a matter of days, highlighting their determination to return to peak form.

Monday's victory on a soaking night in the Hungarian capital, and France beating Belgium 2-0 in Lyon, allowed Italy to take top spot in their group on a perfect six points, three ahead of both Les Bleus and the Red Devils.

The crowd of 2,000 fans meant Monday's match did not have the feel of a senior international match, with the main off-pitch event coming during Israel's national anthem ahead of kick-off, when a small group of Italy fans turned their backs to the pitch.

The Azzurri were slow starters as they were in Friday's stunning 3-1 win over France in Paris, but were not punished by Israel and grew into the match.

By the time Frattesi chested home Federico Dimarco's pinpoint cross in the 38th minute, his sixth international goal since Spalletti replaced Roberto Mancini just over a year ago, Italy were firmly on top.

Sagiv Jehezkel should have levelled for Israel just after half-time when he failed to divert Dor Peretz's scuffed shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

But in the 62nd minute Fiorentina striker Kean scored his first Italy goal in almost exactly three years to seal the points, with Mohamed Abu Fani's strike in the final minute too late for Israel to mount a comeback. 

Advertisement

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)