Football/ Italy edge Israel in last-gasp 5-4 thriller
On Monday night, Italy secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Israel in one of the most spectacular matches of the season. Playing in Debrecen, Hungary, the Azzurri were under pressure to get a result against the group’s second-placed team. After a chaotic encounter, it was Sandro Tonali who sealed the win in stoppage time (90+1).
The game started poorly for Italy, with Gianluigi Donnarumma committing an early mistake that led to a goal, followed by two more avoidable errors. Israel opened the scoring and later equalized 4-4 in the 89th minute, just before Italy struck back in dramatic fashion. Moise Kean shone with a decisive brace, while four goals were scored between the 81st and 90+1 minute, making it a breathtaking finale.
Tensions escalated after the final whistle. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso, visibly agitated, clashed verbally with striker Dor Turgeman, sparking a heated exchange that required stadium security to step in. Donnarumma also reacted angrily to provocations from the opposing bench.
Despite the incident, Italy celebrated a vital victory that keeps them second in the group on goal difference. Gattuso admitted his side’s defensive fragility and urged for improvement ahead of two decisive matches in October.
