Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali struck a dramatic injury-time winner as Italy edged Israel 5-4 in a nine-goal World Cup qualifying classic.
The Group I clash, played in Debrecen, Hungary, saw Italy surrender a two-goal lead late on before Tonali curled home a low shot from 20 yards in the 91st minute to rescue all three points.
Italy survive late scare
Italy had appeared to be in control when goals from Moise Kean (two), Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori turned the game around after an early setback, putting them 4-2 ahead with less than 10 minutes left.
However, Israel staged a stunning late fightback. An own goal from Alessandro Bastoni in the 87th minute made it 4-3, and Dor Peretz equalised two minutes later with his second strike of the match.
Just as Israel thought they had salvaged a point, Tonali produced a moment of brilliance, firing into the bottom corner through a crowded penalty area to secure a vital win for the Azzurri.
Early drama in Hungary
The game had begun badly for Italy, with an own goal from Manuel Locatelli giving Israel the lead after 16 minutes. Former Everton striker Kean equalised before the break, but Peretz restored Israel’s advantage early in the second half.
Kean quickly struck again to level, Politano put Italy ahead for the first time, and Raspadori extended the lead in the 81st minute. But the late collapse almost cost Italy dearly before Tonali’s decisive strike.
Pressure on Italy in Group I
The result gives Italy a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign after a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Norway, who have a perfect record of four wins from four. Only the group winners qualify directly for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with runners-up facing the play-offs.
Italy have already missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, despite being crowned European champions in 2021 after beating England at Wembley. Another failure to qualify would be a historic setback for the four-time winners.
Tonali’s late heroics may yet prove decisive as Italy fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
