Italy have won seven of their eight previous meetings with Israel, the sole exception a goalless draw in Toluca during the 1970 World Cup. More recently, the Azzurri have won each of their last five encounters, three of which have come in the last 13 months, scoring nine goals across the last two.
Italy vs Israel preview
Can Italy keep their slim hopes of automatic World Cup qualification alive? On Saturday night, the Azzurri swatted aside Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn, thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and then Francesco Pio Esposito at A. Le Coq Arena. This means Gennaro Gattuso has won all three matches since he was appointed in the summer, Italy scoring 13 goals across these wins, making it the best start any manager has ever enjoyed in the 115 year history of the Italian national team.
However, it may not be enough to see them avoid missing out on a third successive World Cup. That's because, having been battered 3-0 in Oslo in their opener, Italy remain six points adrift leaders Norway, with this as a game in hand. While the top two go head-to-head at San Siro on the final matchday, the Norwegian's goal difference is currently superior by 19 goals, +26 compared to +7, and a humungous swing is pretty improbable. Thus, having seen their World Cup dreams shattered in play-offs by Sweden in 2017 and North Macedonia five years later, Italy are once again set for the lottery of the play-offs. Here though, can they extend their winning streak to five games in Udine?
As for Israel, they did not help Italy's cause by being demolished 5-0 by Norway at the Ullevål on Saturday. That's now back-to-back defeats for Ran Ben Shimon's side, including that crazy loss when they clashed with Italy in Debrecen last month. Despite the fact it was 1-1 at Nagyerdei Stadion at half time, the second half went goal berserk, with Dor Peretz's equaliser to make it 4-4 seemingly pinching a point for Israel, only for Sandro Tonali's stoppage time strike to ensure it ended 5-4.
The Skyblue and Whites' sole World Cup appearance came in 1970, qualifying as an Asian nation back then, yet to make an appearance at any major tournament since switching to UEFA in 1991. Failure to win this one would mathematically end their World Cup hopes, with a high-scoring victory for the Italians the most-likely outcome at Stadio Friuli on Tuesday.
Italy vs Israel head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 8.
- Italy Wins: 7. Draws: 1. Israel Wins: Zero.
Italy team news
Gennaro Gattuso will continue to deploy his very attacking 4-2-4 formation, featuring Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui in attack, both of whom scored in Tallinn on Saturday night.
Wingers Matteo Politano and Mattia Zaccagni, who started the two fixtures in September, are both injured, so Riccardo Orsolini and Giacomo Raspadori came into the team at the weekend.
Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will earn his 78th cap in goal, a remarkable tally for a 26 year old, while fellow Premier League-based players Riccardo Calafiori and Sando Tonali will also start.
Italy predicted lineup vs Israel: (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Tonali, Barella, Orsolini, Raspadori; Retegui, Kean.
Italy player to watch vs Israel
Of Moise Kean's 11 international goals, six have come in 2025, while he's netted three times against Israel, so can he increase his tally in Udine?
Israel team news
Ran Ben Shimon is without Dor Peretz, scorer in the reverse fixture, but his squad is largely at full strength.
Daniel Peretz will once again be chosen over Omri Glazer in goal, while Oscar Gloukh led the line in Oslo, looking to add to his four international goals. Centre-back Idan Nachmias scored an own goal and then got injured in Norway, so Matan Baltaxa will come into defence.
Israel predicted lineup vs Italy: (4-4-2): Peretz; Dasa, Blorian, Baltaxa, Revivo; Abu Fani, E Peretz, Biton, Turgeman; Gloukh, Solomon.
Israel player to watch vs Italy
Manor Solomon is the top-scorer in the Israel squad with eight international goals, so can the Villarreal forward cause Italy problems?
Italy vs Israel prediction
Given that it is Gennaro Gattuso's Italy who are involved, goals should be guaranteed at Stadio Friuli, but we do expect the Azzurri to claim a high-scoring victory in Udine: Italy 4-1 Israel.
Italy vs Israel FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Italy vs Israel in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Italy vs Israel in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Italy vs Israel in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Italy vs Israel 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 Italy vs Israel in World Cup qualification?
Italy vs Israel takes place on Tuesday 14 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).