Mansion Sports – An exciting showdown is set to unfold in Group I of the UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Israel take on Italy. 

The match will be played at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 20:45 local time. 

This fixture is not just a contest for three points but a decisive clash that could shape the qualification path for both nations in their pursuit of the world’s biggest football stage.

Italy Under Pressure, Israel Riding High on Confidence

With Norway leading the group, neither Italy nor Israel can afford to slip up. For the Azzurri, this game continues their new era under Gennaro Gattuso, who has been entrusted with restoring the national team’s pride following two consecutive failures to qualify for the World Cup.

Italy had suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Norway, a result that also marked the end of Luciano Spalletti’s tenure. 

Yet, Gattuso immediately injected fresh spirit, guiding the team to a commanding 5-0 win over Estonia. Goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, Giacomo Raspadori, and Alessandro Bastoni highlighted the attacking intent he has introduced.

Meanwhile, Israel come into this encounter full of confidence after their emphatic 4-0 victory over Moldova, which pushed them three points ahead of Italy. 

Despite history being against them—with six previous meetings all failing to produce a win—Israel remain determined to cause an upset through their aggressive and spirited style of play.

Predicted Lineups for Israel vs Italy – World Cup Qualifiers

Israel (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Daniel Peretz
• Defenders: Eli Dasa, Stav Lemkin, Ofri Nachmias, Doron Leidner Revivo
• Defensive Midfielders: Dor Peretz, Eitan Peretz
• Attacking Midfielders: Dan Biton, Oscar Gloukh, Manor Solomon
• Forward: Shon Weissman Baribo
• Coach: Ran Ben Shimon

Italy (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco
• Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali
• Forwards: Matteo Politano, Mateo Retegui, Mattia Zaccagni
• Coach: Gennaro Gattuso

Conclusion

The clash between Israel and Italy promises to be a defining moment for both teams. Italy aims to maintain consistency under Gattuso’s leadership, while Israel look to capitalize on their momentum and secure a statement victory.

With the lineups already projected, the match is expected to deliver intensity, drama, and high stakes. 

The lingering question is: will Italy rise to the occasion to protect their World Cup hopes, or will Israel deliver one of the biggest surprises of the qualifying campaign in Debrecen?