Italy Secures World Cup Playoff Spot with 3-0 Win Over Israel

On October 14, 2025, the Italian national team secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Israel in a World Cup qualifier, locking down a playoff spot for the 2026 tournament. The Azzurri, who had narrowly defeated Israel 5-4 last month, were determined to solidify their position in the group.

Mateo Retegui stepped up as the hero of the match, scoring two goals for Italy. The first came from the penalty spot after Retegui was fouled in the box, and the second was a fantastic solo effort, as he robbed an Israeli player and curled the ball into the top corner. Gianluca Mancini also found the back of the net, heading home a corner kick in the closing minutes to seal the win.

Despite the convincing scoreline, it was far from a dominant performance by the Italians. They were forced to withstand some pressure from the Israelis, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. The match was played in a strange atmosphere, with the Azzurri missing several key players due to suspension and injury.

The victory was crucial for Italy's World Cup aspirations, as they now sit in second place in the group, behind the runaway leaders Norway. With the playoff spot secured, the Italians will now turn their attention to the final stretch of qualifying, hoping to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.