Retegui Shines, Italy Locks Playoff Ticket and Ends Israel’s Hopes

Gilabola.com – Italy secured a place in the World Cup playoffs after a convincing 3-0 win over Israel, and the main star of the night was none other than Mateo Retegui who scored two crucial goals and paved the way for the Azzurri to keep going.

Difficult Start, Penalty Goal Becomes Turning Point

The match in Udine made Italian fans hold their breath. Gennaro Gattuso’s team looked less than unified in the first half, and it was Israel who threatened first through Manor Solomon. In fact, the best opportunity was created when a long pass to Anan Khalaili managed to outwit Riccardo Calafiori, only for Gloukh’s shot to narrowly deviate from the post.

Italy also had a golden opportunity when Sandro Tonali gave Retegui a mature pass, but his hard shot from about 18 meters went wide. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Israel’s high pressure several times caused problems for Italy’s back line.

Towards the end of the first half, the momentum changed. Retegui was fouled by Matan Baltaxa in the penalty box. The 26 year old striker stepped up as executor and calmly hit the ball hard into the goal, beating Omri Glazer. This goal was his fourth goal in four games for Italy — and put the Azzurri 1-0 up at halftime.

Israel Continues to Press, Retegui Responds with a Beautiful Goal

The second half opened with a penalty claim from Israel after Dan Biton felt he had been brought down by Tonali, but the referee did not see enough contact to award the spot. Moments later, Nicolo Barella almost increased the lead with a volley from 18 meters, but it sailed narrowly over the bar.

Israel’s pressure came again when Baribo fell in front of goal and claimed Mancini had pulled him, but again the referee ignored him. Even goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make an important save when Gloukh fired a shot from inside the penalty box.

But all that pressure collapsed in the 74th minute. Stav Turiel’s control error was exploited by Retegui with great determination. He grabbed the ball and immediately fired a beautiful curved shot into the top right corner, leaving Glazer stunned. The score changed to 2-0, and the stadium roared.

Mancini Closes Azzurri Party

Italy almost increased their lead when Glazer misplaced the ball in his own penalty box, but managed to make amends by saving Francesco Esposito’s shot from very close range. However, in stoppage time, Federico Dimarco sent a brilliant cross from the right wing which was immediately headed hard by Gianluca Mancini. The header couldn’t be blocked, and the score became 3-0.

Retegui was the main hero in this match. His two goals not only broke the deadlock, but also locked up a playoff ticket for Italy in World Cup qualification. Meanwhile for Israel, this defeat buried their hopes of appearing in this major tournament for the first time since 1970. For Gattuso and his team, the opportunity to return to the world stage for the first time since 2014 is now wide open.

Lineup

Italy: Donnarumma; Calafiori, Mancini, Di Lorenzo; Dimarco, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella; Raspadori, Retegui, Cambiaso

Israel: glass; Dasa, Baltaxa, Blorian, Revivo; Peretz, Khalaili, Gloukh; Sulaiman, Baribo, Biton