Italy vs Israel Preview, Prediction, Possible Lineups and Betting Tips

Italy can take a huge step to World Cup qualification on October 14th, as the Azzurri welcome Israel to Stadio Friuli and you can find a full preview, prediction, possible lineups and betting tips below.

Estonia vs Italy Preview

Italy have began to show the form that many expected from this World Cup qualifying run and can move six-points clear of Israel with a win on October 14th.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side secured a 3-1 victory over Estonia in their latest fixture, as Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito found the back of the net.

This comfortable victory was much-needed following Italy’s nail-biting win over Israel, as Sandro Tonali scored in the 91st minute to secure a 5-4 win over their upcoming opponents.

Earning three-points against Estonia was vital for Gattuso as the Italian received some criticism for excluding Federico Chiesa from the Azzurri squad.

As for Israel, defensive frailty has been a huge issue in recent matches, as Alon Hazan’s side have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches – suffering a 5-0 defeat to Norway most recently.

Although on face value a 5-4 defeat to Italy is a sign of a good performance, Israel only put the ball in the net themselves on two occasions during the match with Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli both scoring own-goals.

Qualifying for the World Cup is something that has proved difficult for Israel for multiple decades, with their last appearance at the tournament coming in 1970.

Italy vs Israel Prediction

These two sides were involved in a truly chaotic fixture in their last meeting and Israel will take some confidence after pushing the Azzurri to the end last time out.

Italy have dominated this fixture throughout the years, winning seven of the eight meetings against Israel and their only failure came in a 0-0 draw in 1970.

Gattuso will be very aware that a win will all-but secure second place in Group I and we believe the Azzurri will use their home advantage to clinch three-points on October 14th.

Prediction: Italy 3-1 Israel

Italy vs Israel Possible Lineups

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Spinazzola; Raspadori, Retegui

Israel: Da. Peretz; Dasa, Baltaxa, Nachmias, Revivo; Abu Fani, E. Peretz; Khalaily, Gloukh, Solomon; Baribo

Italy vs Israel Betting Tips

Both Teams To Score: +140

Italy’s recent matches have seen a host of goals, as Gennaro Gattuso is yet to implement the defensive solidity that the Azzurri are renowned for.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has shown some frailty in goal, conceding several goals in this qualification phase and Gattuso may look to start Guglielmo Vicario who has recently been linked with a move to AC Milan.

In Italy’s last three matches there have been 18 goals, which was heavily boosted by the nine-goal thriller the Azzurri played out with Israel back in early September.

Furthermore, Israel have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches and have scored as many goals as Italy in Group I so far, with both sides scoring six.

Four of the last five meetings between Italy and Israel have fulfilled the both teams to score criteria and the Azzurri’s recent vulnerabilities could be shown again on October 14th.

Italy vs Israel Odds