Israel vs. Italy: Head-to-Head UEFA Nations League Preview.
Israel plays host to Italy at Bozsik Aréna in Budapest on Monday, September 9, 2024, during Round 2 of the UEFA Nations League A - Group 2. The game is scheduled to begin at 18:45 UTC, which is a very significant time for both teams' campaigns. The game gives Italy a chance to seal their spot at the top of this group, while Israel will be keen to bounce back from their opening-day defeat and make a statement that they are capable of competing with the elite of Europe.
In this blog, we take a look at the head-to-head historical records between these two sides, evaluate the current form both teams have been in, and examine exactly how this match may shape the futures of their campaigns in the Nations League.
Head to Head Record: Italy on the Ascendancy
On head-to-head records, the Azzurri are a cut above the two teams. Against Italy, Israel have always had a bad day in the office, with current records reading 0 wins to Israel, 2 wins to Italy, and 0 draws.
Where Italy has been one of the continuously leading footballing nations in Europe, Israel has more often than not struggled to bridge the gap with teams in the higher echelons during competitive matches like those in the UEFA Nations League. Italy's superior tactical discipline and talent pool have deeply outshone the efforts of Israel in their previous matches.
Diving deeper into the statistics of this rivalry on platforms like that of UEFA's official website with detailed head-to-head statistics between these two teams, the statistics show how Italy's sturdy defense and clinical finishing turn them into a force to be envied in international football.
Israel's Journey: The Underdogs Seeking Redemption
This year's campaign in the UEFA Nations League started on a sour note for Israel. Their opening match against Belgium saw them fall 3-1, as their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by an inability to contain top-tier European forwards. Israel did manage to score in this outing, but they gave far too many chances to Belgium because of their leaky defense-a trend they will need to fix ahead of their clash with Italy.
Playing at a neutral venue due to security concerns, Israel will not have any kind of traditional home advantage, but the Bozsik Aréna will give them a chance to regroup and go toe-to-toe with Italy in an all-important match. Against Belgium, Israel's performance was disappointing in that regard but also provided glimpses of what they are capable of, especially in attacking potential. They will most probably adopt a counterattacking game, hoping that Italy advance with players and leave space at the back. However, they also have to be very careful because Italy possess one of the best defenses in the world, marshaled by the experienced keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Israeli Football Association's site, for those fans interested in Israel's tactical changes and/or in what has been happening with key players, posted match previews, team news, and squad updates in the days leading up to the clash.
Italy: Spalletti's Azzurri on a Mission
Italy goes into this match beaming with confidence, following an impressive 3-1 victory in Paris over France. This win not only sealed the ending of their 70-year-long wait for a win in Paris but was a statement from the new manager, Luciano Spalletti, that this team of Azzurri is rejuvenated and ready for success.
The victory in Paris was a textbook example of Italy's resilience: coming back after being shocked within the first 13 seconds, Bradley Barcola capitalizing on an early mistake by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Italy quickly regained their composure as Federico Dimarco, one of the best in Italy's lineup, orchestrated a brilliant equalizer before Davide Frattesi put Italy ahead. Substitute Giacomo Raspadori later sealed the win with a well-timed strike in the 74th minute.
Spalletti's tactics have revitalized an Italian squad that had lost some of the electric feel from a Round of 16 knockout in Euro 2024. The loss of Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to third place in the 2023 Nations League finals, left a void that Spalletti now appears ready to fill with the youthful energy mixed with household names like Donnarumma and Federico Chiesa.
Italy's squad for the Nations League is heavily loaded with some of the most promising talents, and they have already begun to leave their mark on the international stage. The midfield duo of Davide Frattesi and Sandro Tonali brings dynamism and creativity, an important component in Spalletti's system. Controlling the tempo of the game from the center of the pitch will be crucial in trying to break down Israel's defense.
For in-depth analysis of Italy's lineup, team news, and some tactical insight, see the Italy Football Federation's official site, as it will have in-depth analysis and news leading into each match.
Key Players to Watch
Israel
- Eran Zahavi - The veteran striker remains Israel's best hope for unlocking Italy's defense. Known for his sharp finishing and positioning, Zahavi has been a key figure in Israel's attack for years.
- Manor Solomon - Pacey and creative on the wings, he can be a handful for any opponent to deal with. If Israel is to stand a chance, the ability of Solomon to break down Italy's disciplined backline will be crucial.
Italy
- Federico Dimarco - The Inter Milan fullback has been instrumental not just in terms of adding defensive solidity but also playing an important role in Italy's attack. His equalizer against France showed his knack for scoring important goals.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma - Israel will find Italy's ever-reliable goalkeeper a hard nut to crack. His shot-stopping and leadership at the back will be important if Italy is to keep a clean sheet.
Tactical Battle
Israel's Game Plan: Israel will thus sit deep and look to absorb the pressure in the hope of catching Italy on the counterattack. Their priority will, therefore, be to minimize the defensive errors; they cannot afford to concede these early goals as they did against Belgium.
Italy's Game Plan: Spalletti's Italy will look to dominate possession, press high to quickly recover the ball. Italy's strength is in midfield where Tonali and Frattesi are likely to run the show, and attackers will be required to stretch Israel's backline. Azzurri are expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, one that provides defensive solidity, along with flexibility in attack.
What's at Stake?
A victory against Israel would probably put Italy in an excellent position to qualify. They need a top-two finish in Group 2 to make sure they go through to the quarter-finals of the newly restructured format. Anything less may seriously complicate that road ahead, with difficult matches still against Belgium and France to go.
The challenge for Israel, on the other hand, is to remain relevant in this group. A defeat here will, in all probability, shut out their chances of qualification, and they will have to approach this match with a mix of caution and ambition. Should they cause an upset, this would go down as one of the biggest wins in their football history and may even work as a catalyst for an unexpected surge in the competition.
To view all of the UEFA Nations League standings and how each result impacts the group as a whole, visit UEFA Nations League Standings.
Final Thoughts
These teams will gear up for this exciting fixture, with everything to play for between Israel and Italy. Italy, being favorites, would look to extend that winning momentum, while Israel seeks redemption after its tough start to the campaign. The Bozsik Aréna in Budapest will provide anything but home-field advantage for Israel, but it will surely be offering an electric atmosphere for a pulsating clash that is sure to take place.
Will Israel pull off an upset, or will Italy's winning ways go on? Check it out on Monday.