World Cup qualifiers 2026: Italy-Israel, the likely lineups
Everything is ready in Udine for the Italy-Israel challenge, a challenge valid for qualification for the next World Cup. The Azzurri, should they win the match, would be certain of at least second place in the group, behind Norway, now one step away from gaining direct access to the World Cup.
Chief coach Gattuso must do without Kean (injured) and Bastoni (disqualified). In defense, in place of the Inter central, there will be room for Mancini. In attack, Retegui’s partner should be Raspadori, favorite over Esposito, the forward of the moment, who, however, will enter the game in progress. News also in the midfield with a starting jersey for Locatelli.
There are eight previous matches between Italy and Israel. The Azzurri have won on seven occasions, including the sensational 5-4 win in the first leg. Only one tie between the two national teams: 0-0 in the 1970 World Cup. In total, Italy has scored 25 goals against Israel while conceding nine (four in the last face-off).
The likely lineups
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori; Cambiaso, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui. Ct. Gattuso
Israel (5-4-1): Glazer; Mizrahi, Dasa, Baltaxa, Blorian, Revivo; Gloukh, Abu Fani, E. Peretz, Solomon; Baribo. Ct. Shimon.
