Italy Soar to Top of Nations League Group with Israel Victory
Italy’s resurgence continued on Monday as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 Nations League victory over Israel in Budapest. The Azzurri, seeking redemption after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, now sit atop Group A2 with a perfect six points.
Davide Frattesi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on Federico Dimarco’s precise cross. Israel had a golden opportunity to equalize just after halftime, but Sagiv Jehezkel squandered a close-range chance.
Moise Kean sealed the victory for Italy in the 62nd minute, scoring his first international goal in nearly three years. Mohamed Abu Fani’s late strike for Israel proved to be a mere consolation.
Luciano Spalletti’s team has responded admirably to their Euro 2024 disappointment, showcasing a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Their victory over Israel, coupled with France’s triumph over Belgium, has propelled them to the summit of their group.
The match was played in a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, with only 2,000 fans in attendance due to security concerns in Israel. A small group of Italy supporters turned their backs to the pitch during Israel’s national anthem, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, Italy controlled the tempo of the game and deserved their victory. They will now look to maintain their momentum when they face England in a friendly on Friday.