Italy vs Israel Prediction: Match Preview and Analysis | UEFA World Cup Qualifiers - Group I
The Dacia Arena will host the big match of Group I in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, October 14, between Italy and Israel, crucial for the race for second place. The Azzurri, coached by Gennaro Gattuso, currently sit in second place, three points behind Norway and three points ahead of Israel, who have already played one more game. A win against Israel would allow Italy to secure second place, essential for playoff qualification, while realistically, challenging Norway for the top spot in the group appears difficult, given Norway’s advantage in head-to-head results and goal difference. The only remaining chance for the reigning world champions would be to win their last three matches against Israel, Moldova, and Norway, hoping for a slip-up by Norway against Estonia—a scenario that seems unlikely given Norway’s current performances. Israel, on the other hand, enters this away match with the obligation to win to remain in contention for second place. In the next round, they will host Moldova: by achieving two consecutive victories and hoping for an Italian stumble in the final 180 minutes, they could accomplish the double feat of qualifying for the playoffs and simultaneously eliminating Italy, which would then face its third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.