Italy have won all four meetings with Israel this century, two of which came just last year, winning 2-1 in Budapest and 4-1 in Udine during the UEFA Nations League.
Israel vs Italy preview
Italy have left themselves with no margin for error in World Cup qualification, so victory at Nagyerdei Stadion is simply a must for the four-times world champions. Back in June, Gli Azzurri began this campaign in catastrophic fashion, smashed 3-0 by Norway in Oslo, a result that cost Luciano Spalletti his job. Since, they have enjoyed back-to-back home wins over minnows, swatting aside Moldova 2-0 in the summer, before a 5-0 victory when Estonia visited Bergamo on Friday.
All the goals came in the second half, with Moise Kean breaking the deadlock, before Mateo Retegui bagged a brace, while Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni were also both on target. Nevertheless, Italy remain third in Group I, six points adrift leaders Norway, albeit with a game in hand. Thus, the Azzurri are in danger of missing out on a third successive World Cup, defeated in play-offs by Sweden and North Macedonia since their last appearance in 2014. If they're going to qualify automatically this time, every game is must win, hoping that their final matchday clash with Norway at San Siro in November is a straight shootout for top spot. Thus, Italy cannot drop points in Debrecen.
As for Israel, their one and only World Cup appearance came in 1970, qualifying as the sole Asian representative, actually holding eventual runners-up Italy to a goalless draw in Toluca back then. Since making the move to UEFA in 1991 though, the Skyblue and Whites have not featured at any major tournament, their case not helped by the ongoing political situation back home.
In this campaign though, Ran Ben Shimon's side have won three out of four, beating Estonia twice, before demolishing Moldova 4-0 on Friday night; Dor Peretz, Manor Solomon, Tai Baribo and Oscar Gloukh all scoring in Chișinău. Nevertheless, Israel were beaten 4-2 by Norway back in March, with most forecasting that third will be their celling in this group, unlikely to give the Norwegians nor the Italians too many issues. Thus, an away win seems very likely at Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary.
Israel vs Italy head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 7.
- Israel Wins: Zero. Draws: 1. Italy Wins: 6.
Israel team news
Ran Ben Shimon is without midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani and winger Liel Abada, but his squad still possesses plenty of attacking talent.
Daniel Peretz will continue to get the nod over the more experienced Omri Glazer in goal, while captain Eli Dasa will win his 70th cap at right-back, despite being without a club.
Going forward is where the excitement is, given that Oscar Gloukh and Manor Solomon were both among the scorers in Chișinău on Friday, so can either cause Italy problems?
Israel predicted lineup vs Italy: (4-3-3): Peretz; Dasa, Lamkin, Nachmias, Revivo; Dor Peretz, E Peretz, Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; Baribo.
Israel player to watch vs Italy
Oscar Gloukh joined Ajax from RB Salzburg this summer for around €15 million, having starred at the Club World Cup for the Austrian outfit. He bagged his fourth international goal against Moldova, his first for two years, so can he add to his tally against the Italians?
Italy team news
Friday's resounding victory was Gennaro Gattuso's first match in charge of his country, making some bold decisions, including starting both Moise Kean and last year's Capocannoniere winner Mateo Retegui in attack. Given that both scored at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, he'll feel vindicated.
Elsewhere, Manchester City's latest recruit Gianluigi Donnarumma will be donning the gloves and the armband, while Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal will continue to partner Alessandro Bastoni at the back.
Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano got the nod out-wide on Friday, so will they keep their places, chosen over Andrea Cambiaso and scorer off the Bergamo bench Giacomo Raspadori?
Italy predicted lineup vs Israel: (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Tonali, Barella, Politano, Zaccagni; Retegui, Kean.
Italy player to watch vs Israel
Davide Frattesi scored home and away against Israel in last year's UEFA Nations League so, should he feature in this one, can the Internazionale midfielder repeat the feat?
Israel vs Italy prediction
Given that both line-ups are likely to be ultra-attacking, this clash should guarantee goals, but we are backing Italy to pick up the three points they need to keep pace with leaders Norway: Israel 1-3 Italy.
Israel vs Italy FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Israel vs Italy in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Israel vs Italy in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Israel vs Italy in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Israel vs Italy in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Israel vs Italy in World Cup qualification?
Israel vs Italy takes place on Monday 8 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).