In a match that defied conventional football wisdom, Italy`s national team secured a bewildering 5-4 victory over Israel in their latest World Cup qualifier. What began as a potential tactical masterclass quickly devolved into a chaotic exchange of goals, ultimately settled by a moment of late individual brilliance. This encounter, described by midfielder Manuel Locatelli as “a crazy game,” offered a stark display of both the Azzurri`s potent attacking prowess and their perplexing defensive vulnerabilities.
A Rollercoaster of Fortunes: From Own Goal to Last-Minute Heroics
The fixture in Debrecen was an immediate jolt, with Italy finding themselves trailing courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Manuel Locatelli. In a sequence that encapsulated the night`s unpredictability, Locatelli, attempting a clearance, inadvertently poked the ball into his own net. It was a start that raised eyebrows, particularly after the commanding 5-0 win against Estonia just days prior, a match that marked Gennaro Gattuso`s debut at the helm.
However, the Azzurri, known for their resilience, refused to capitulate. Moise Kean emerged as a pivotal figure, twice restoring parity with clinical finishes. Italy then surged ahead, establishing a seemingly comfortable 4-2 lead through goals from Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori. For a brief period, it appeared the team had regained control, showcasing the attacking fluidity Gattuso is attempting to cultivate.
Locatelli`s Night: A Microcosm of Italy`s Performance
Manuel Locatelli`s performance was, perhaps, the most emblematic of Italy`s evening. From the early misfortune of an own goal to a crucial goal-line clearance later in the match, his individual journey mirrored the team`s tumultuous trajectory. Post-match, Locatelli emphasized the team`s “character” as the primary takeaway, a sentiment that resonates deeply when considering the wild swings of momentum.
“It was a crazy game, as we conceded goals, scored, conceded for 4-4, then won 5-4,” Locatelli stated. His analysis, delivered with a hint of technical precision amidst the emotional aftermath, was candid. “We made a lot of mistakes too that need to be analysed, we didn’t have the right approach from the start, and that cannot happen. We weren’t solid enough, as Israel were dangerous on the counter-attack.” It`s a pragmatic assessment, acknowledging the victory while spotlighting the glaring areas for improvement. Winning 5-4 is certainly exciting, but perhaps not the blueprint for defensive solidity.
Tactical Nuances and the Pursuit of Goals
Under Gennaro Gattuso, Italy experimented with formations, shifting from a 4-2-3-1 against Estonia to a 3-5-2 against Israel. This tactical flexibility, while commendable in theory, may have contributed to the defensive instability. Locatelli hinted at this, suggesting that an “excessive desire to score more goals for the goal difference” might have led to errors. While admirable, a relentless focus on offense can, ironically, expose vulnerabilities at the back.
The sheer number of goals, both for and against, certainly suggests a team still finding its balance. Scoring five goals is a statement of offensive intent, but conceding four negates much of that advantage, transforming what could be a confident win into a nail-biting escape. These “golden” three points, as Locatelli rightly termed them, came at the cost of significant heart palpitations for both players and fans.
The Promise of a Partnership: Kean and Retegui
Amidst the defensive concerns, a bright spot emerged in the burgeoning partnership between strikers Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui. Locatelli praised them as “truly talented strikers, and also really nice guys, which is crucial for us in the present and the future.” Kean`s brace in this match, combined with Retegui`s presence and potential, offers Gattuso a dynamic and potent attacking duo. Their synergy could prove vital in future, less chaotic encounters.
Implications for World Cup Qualification
This dramatic victory propels Italy into second place in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, level on nine points with Israel but crucially holding a game in hand. While the manner of the victory raises questions, the three points are undeniably critical. In the unforgiving landscape of international qualifiers, points often overshadow perfection. This match, for all its flaws, demonstrated an undeniable fighting spirit that, when combined with defensive rectifications, could serve the Azzurri well on their path to the World Cup.
The Azzurri`s wild 5-4 win against Israel will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the stark lesson it delivered: character and attacking firepower can pull a team through, even when defensive discipline temporarily takes a leave of absence. The task for Gattuso now is to harness that character and refine the defensive structure, ensuring future victories are perhaps a little less `crazy` and a lot more controlled.
