Israel Clashes with Italy: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and Match Breakdown

A pivotal match awaits Italy as they pursue qualification for the 2026 World Cup, facing Israel on neutral ground.

The four-time world champions have been absent from consecutive World Cups, and existential concerns persist in their nation regarding their prospects of securing a spot in next summer's tournament.

They suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat to Norway at the beginning of their qualifying journey, but have found stability since then, with Gennaro Gattuso replacing Luciano Spalletti as head coach. The former tenacious midfielder guided his team to a commanding 5–0 triumph over Estonia in his debut match.

Norway currently leads Group I, but Israel, despite having played one additional match, also sits above Italy in the standings. Therefore, Monday's encounter could be pivotal in determining which team advances to the playoffs.

Italy's next adversaries have also fallen to Norway but secured victories in their remaining three matches, including a dominant 4–0 win against Moldova on Friday evening.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the matchup.

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Israel Team News

Minimal alterations are expected from Israel's convincing triumph over Moldova, with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon and Ajax's Oscar Gloukh among Israel's key players eager to impact the match against a footballing powerhouse on Monday evening.

The home side features Bayern Munich's Daniel Peretz, who has moved to Hamburg on loan for the 2025–26 campaign, in goal, and potentially three Peretzs could feature in their starting formation against the Azzurri.

Philadelphia Union's Tai Baribo spearheaded Israel's attack in their previous outing and found the net, making him likely to maintain his position. Dor Turgeman represents another attacking option for manager Ran Ben Shimon.

Israel Predicted Lineup vs. Italy

Israel predicted lineup vs. Italy (4-2-3-1): Da. Peretz; Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, Revivo; Do. Peretz, E. Peretz; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; Baribo

Italy Team News

The new coach abandoned Spalletti's three-man defense against Estonia, choosing a four-man backline instead. A similar defensive setup is anticipated in Hungary, with Alessandro Bastoni partnering Riccardo Calafiori at the center of Gattuso's defense.

Francesco Pio Esposito received his maiden Italy call-up on Friday evening, but the youngster remains behind Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui in the striker hierarchy, while Giacomo Raspadori impressed as a substitute in the last match.

Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini might replace Matteo Politano on the right flank, and Manuel Locatelli could enter Gattuso's central midfield partnership.

Italy Predicted Lineup vs. Israel

Italy predicted lineup vs. Israel (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Orsolini, Barella, Locatelli, Zaccagni; Raspadori, Retegui.

Israel vs. Italy Score Prediction

These nations met twice during the latest UEFA Nations League campaign, with Italy claiming both victories.

They will certainly benefit from avoiding travel to Israel for Monday's qualifier, hoping to maintain momentum following Gattuso's appointment.

Their impressive five-goal performance on Friday provided the confidence boost needed entering Monday's crucial encounter, though Israel's talented generation surely believes this represents their opportunity. We anticipate an intensely competitive match in Hungary, but the rejuvenated Azzurri should narrowly prevail to keep Norway's advantage in check before next month's showdown.

Prediction: Israel 1–2 Italy