4-1: Italy swept Israel and almost reached the quarterfinals

Italy defeated the Israeli team on Monday (4-1) in a match that, in addition to helping them maintain the lead of the group and get closer to the quarterfinals of the Nations League, featured the much-anticipated debut of Daniel Maldini , the third generation of a fictitious ‘calcio’ surname.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is, more than a goal, an obligation for Luciano Spalletti’s Italy. The ‘Azzurra’ have not competed in the best international tournament on the planet since Brazil 2014, 10 years ago. They missed out on Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. A drama that was resolved a bit at Euro 2021, but picked up again after the crazy tournament that culminated in Germany 2024, defending the crown.

Not going to Canada, Mexico and the United States was another huge disappointment. The Nations League is a priority for Italy as it needs to build itself up and maintain first place in the group with two days to go. If they qualify, they will be seeded in the qualifying draw for the said World Cup. That’s why Italy is going all out in this Nations League tournament, it doesn’t want to regret it.

They were away to Belgium (2-2) the previous day, but the dismissal of Lorenzo Pellegrini made all the good works. Against Israel, Italy swept to stay first in the group, almost reaching the quarterfinals and closer to the 2026 World Cup.

He did it with Mateo Retegui’s goals from eleven meters in the 42nd minute, which opened the rivalry; from Giovanni Di Lorenzo, captain of Naples, with a header already in the second half; with Davide Frattesi shooting in from the front to make it the third in the 73rd minute, the Inter midfielder made no mistake with the goal in an ‘Azzurra’ shirt; and judging by a great Di Lorenzo, right back who scored a double from behind.

In just a few minutes of confusion, Israel managed to sow some doubt. It was Abu Fani’s goal in the 66th minute, which made it 2-1, in an isolated game in which Guglielmo Vicario, the goalkeeper of Tottenham, was unsuccessful and conceded an Olympic goal. The Italians asked for a VAR review, but the Spanish referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea did not receive any correction and proved a goal in which the main culprit was the goalkeeper.

Spalletti had time to introduce a very special player for Italy. Daniel Maldini, Monza forward, in the 73rd minute of the game became the third Maldini to wear the Italian shirt after his father Paolo and his grandfather Cesare, both defenders, a position he did not occupy.

The Milan youth player achieved this more than 22 years after Paolo’s last presence, on June 18, 2002; and 61 years after Cesare, who did it for the last time in 1963. An event.

Italy redeemed the draw against Belgium with another fine victory against Israel. There is confidence, there is good football. The ‘Azzurra’ are close to the quarterfinals of the Nations League and, therefore, are seeded in the draw for qualification for the World Cup.