Israel will clash with Italy on Monday at Nagyerdei Stadion in what could be a crucial clash in both teams' World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns in Group I.
The nations are second with nine points and third with six points respectively – first-placed Norway have 12 points – and both Israel and Italy head into Monday's match having won last time out.
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Israel vs Italy prediction: Resurgent Azzurri face goalscoring opponents
Key stats
- Israel have found the back of the net at least twice in four of their last five, as well as in each of their four qualifying games in the group stage so far.
- Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso will be taking charge of his second game on Monday, and his team have kept two consecutive clean sheets, as many as they had managed in their prior 14 outings in all competitions.
- Gattuso's side have scored at least two goals in eight of their 11 most recent fixtures, whereas it had taken them 19 games to achieve the same feat in their previous matches.
Correct score prediction: Israel 1-2 Italy
Given that both sides have often made their mark on the scoreline, it is a safe prediction to say that both will score, but Italy could have the edge considering their players have been boosted by the appointment of Gattuso.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Italy strongly backed by the bookmakers
- HOME: 11/2 (6.5) – 15.4%
- DRAW: 19/5 (4.8) – 20.8%
- AWAY: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Italy are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 69.2%, and the bookmakers have not given Israel much chance of victory, with the side's win probability standing at just 15.4%.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Italy's strong record against Israel
A victory for Italy would extend their winning streak against Israel to five matches, with the Azzurri undefeated in all seven of their encounters with their opponents.
Israel lost 4-1 when the sides met in the Nations League in October 2024, and they have been beaten in all four of their clashes in the 21st century with the Italians.
UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24
Italy
Israel
UEFA Nations League A 09/09/24
Israel
Italy
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/17
Italy
Israel
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/16
Israel
Italy
Israel preview: Exceptional form ahead of Monday's game
Israel will hope that their form can help them overcome their poor record against Italy considering they have won five of their past six fixtures, losing on one occasion.
Striker Tai Baribo started up front when his side beat Moldova 4-0 on September 5, and since he netted in the second half, he will expect to feature as his side's centre-forward..
Predicted lineup: Da Peretz (GK), Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, Revivo, Do. Peretz, E. Peretz, Biton, Gloukh, Solomon & Baribo
Last five results:
- Moldova 0-4 Israel
- Israel 1-0 Slovakia
- Estonia 1-3 Israel
- Israel 2-4 Norway
- Israel 2-1 Estonia
Italy preview: Gattuso takeover sparks improvement
Former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti was dismissed after the nation beat Moldova 2-0 in unconvincing fashion on June 9, but Gennaro Gattuso oversaw a 5-0 victory against Estonia on September 5.
The Azzurri scored all five goals in the second half in that match, with centre-forward Mateo Retegui scoring twice.
Predicted lineup: Donnarumma (GK), Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Politano, Retegui & Zaccagni
Last five results:
- Italy 5-0 Estonia
- Italy 2-0 Moldova
- Norway 3-0 Italy
- Germany 3-3 Italy
- Italy 1-2 Germany
Player to watch: Mateo Retegui
Italy's Mateo Retegui ended the 2024-25 season as Serie A's top scorer, finding the back of the net 25 times for Atalanta.
The striker moved to Al Qadisiyah in the summer, and it will be fascinating to see if he can continue to make an impact for the national team.