Italy vs Israel UEFA Nations League Preview: Azzurri Seek Three Points to Stay on Top | Prediction, Lineup

Italy faces Israel in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash. Can Gli Azzurri maintain their top spot, or will Israel stage an upset? Full preview inside! 

Italy's upcoming match against Israel in the UEFA Nations League would see Gli Azzurri top of Group A2 at the moment. The Italians have registered a good start so far in the tournament, winning two and drawing one in their three matches. 

Their last match was a thrilling 2-2 tie against Belgium, added to a commanding 3-1 win over France during the course of the tournament. Now, they wish to carry the same dynamics as they are set to play against struggling Israel.

Last-placed Israel has no other option than to win this game. They have lost all their three matches and are still to register any point in the group, after being hammered 4-1 by France. If Ran Ben Shimon’s team would wish to stand any chance in the Nations League, they will have to do the unthinkable and beat Italy on Monday night.

Kick-Off Details:

• Date and Time:
  • UK: Monday, 14 Oct 2024, 07:45 PM
  • India: Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024, 12:15 AM IST
• Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Italy

Current Form:

• Italy's Recent Form (All Competitions): D-W-W-L-D
• Israel's Recent Form (All Competitions): L-L-L-W-L

Italy comes into this match on the back of good results, having earlier drawn with Belgium and beaten both France and Israel in the course of the tournament. 

They have been efficient in attack, thanks to the efforts of top players like Matteo Retegui and Davide Frattesi, who have been able to score goals. Moreover, while in their previous games with Di Lorenzo and Bastoni in defense they have managed to keep things tight at the back, letting in only a few goals in the process.

Israel, on the contrary, is in a different situation; they have been put in a very strong group and as a result, are yet to compete. On the other hand, having lost all three of their games so far including a heavy one against France, they will look to bounce back, but this time against Italy, that seems a tall order.

Head-to-Head Record:

• Matches Played: 6
• Italy Wins: 5
• Israel Wins: 0
• Draws: 1

Italy has dominated this fixture in the past, having won five of the six encounters. Israel has yet to beat Italy, and their task won’t be easy this time around either, with Italy looking to maintain their unbeaten streak against the Skyblue and Whites.

Injury and Team News:

Italy:
The hosts will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is suspended for this game. However, Italy does not face any major injury concerns, which means that coach Luciano Spalletti will have most of his key players available for selection.

Israel:
Israel’s squad is dealing with a few injury problems, with key players Manor Solomon, Roy Revivo, and Sagiv Yehezkel all ruled out of the match. Their absence will certainly make it harder for Israel to mount an effective challenge against Italy.

Predicted Lineups:

Italy (3-5-1-1):
Donnarumma (GK); Calafiori, Bastoni, Di Lorenzo; Dimarco, Tonali, Ricci, Frattesi, Cambiaso; Fagioli; Retegui

Israel (3-4-2-1):
Glazer (GK); Feingold, Nachmias, Baltaxa; Abada, Jaber, Fani, Haziza; Gandelman, Gloukh; Baribo

Italy will likely stick to their tried-and-tested 3-5-1-1 formation, with Retegui leading the line. In midfield, the likes of Frattesi and Tonali will be crucial in dictating the tempo and creating opportunities.

Israel, meanwhile, may opt for a more defensive 3-4-2-1 setup, hoping to limit Italy’s attacking opportunities. They will likely rely on forward Baribo to provide a spark up front, with support from Gloukh in the attacking midfield.

Match Prediction:

Italy enters this match as the clear favorite. They are undefeated against Israel in previous meetings and have a squad full of quality players capable of exploiting Israel’s weaknesses. While Israel will undoubtedly fight hard to get a result, Italy's form and superior talent should see them through comfortably.

Prediction: Italy 3-1 Israel

Where to Watch Italy vs Israel:

• India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
• UK: ITVX, Premier Sports
• USA: FOX Sports App, FOX Sports 2