In a gripping UEFA Nations League encounter on September 9th, 2024, Italy secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Israel at the Bozsik Aréna. Despite the final score, Israel showcased an impressive performance against the Azzurri, demonstrating composure and resilience for most of the game. Yet, in the end, Italy managed to come out on top, thanks to pivotal goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean.
Early Composure from Israel
Israel’s form coming into the match had been rocky, following a string of losses including a 3-1 defeat to Belgium merely three days prior. However, against Italy, the Israeli squad displayed renewed confidence and composure. Starting in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Israel managed to maintain 45% of possession and generated a total of six shots, two of which were on target. Their defensive unit, led by standout players like Raz Shlomo and Idan Nachmias, held firm throughout the first half.
Key Moments
38th Minute – Italy’s First Goal
The match’s first noteworthy event came in the 38th minute, when Davide Frattesi, one of Italy’s top performers this year, found the back of the net with a clean strike, putting the visitors ahead.
62nd Minute – The Decisive Goal by Moise Kean
Early into the second half, Israel made two substitutions, bringing on Neta Lavi and Anan Khalaili, which injected fresh energy into the team. Unfortunately, a lack of focus led to a critical mistake by Oscar Gloukh, allowing Moise Kean to extend Italy’s lead in the 62nd minute. Gloukh’s lapse in concentration was a deciding factor in conceding the second goal.
90th Minute – Israel’s Consolation Goal
Despite this setback, Israel did not back down. Their perseverance paid off in the 90th minute when Mohammad Abu Fani scored a well-deserved goal, albeit amid controversy. The Italians were quick to argue with the referee, claiming an offside during the build-up to Israel’s goal, but their protests were in vain.
Statistics Overview
Italy maintained a slight edge in overall possession at 55%, and their attacking prowess was evident with 12 total shots, six of which were on target. The game saw numerous substitutions and bookings, with Israel committing 13 fouls compared to Italy’s 10, and three yellow cards awarded to Israeli players in the dying minutes.
Standout Performers
Davide Frattesi deservedly earned a rating of 7.6 for his crucial goal, with Federico Dimarco, who provided an assist, matching that rating. On the Israeli side, Mahmoud Jaber put up a commendable performance, achieving a rating of 7.2 and remaining a key figure in the midfield.
Room for Improvement for Italy
For Italy, the win was bittersweet. While they secured three points, the fans and pundits alike expected a more dominant performance. The Italians clearly have room for improvement, notably in their defense and finishing techniques. Their last five matches have included a mix of victories and losses, highlighting inconsistencies that could be problematic as they face tougher opponents in the upcoming fixtures.
Final Thoughts
Overall, despite the loss, Israel can take a lot of positives from this game. They were competitive throughout, and the final score could have been more lopsided had Italy capitalized on all their opportunities. My prediction was far worse, and Israel’s respectable result against a footballing giant like Italy suggests they are on the right track. For Italy, a stronger showing is expected moving forward, as they prepare to host Israel again on October 14th, 2024.
Next Fixtures
- Israel vs France: October 10, 2024, at Bozsik Aréna
- Italy vs Israel: October 14, 2024, at Bluenergy Stadium
- France vs Israel: November 14, 2024, at Stade de France
- Israel vs Belgium: November 17, 2024, at Bozsik Aréna
- Italy vs Belgium: October 10, 2024, at Stadio Olimpico
With more exciting matches on the horizon, fans of both teams can look forward to seeing how their respective squads develop and adapt in this high-stakes competition.
