Tonali’s Late Strike protects Italy’s dramatic victory over Israel in qualifying for the World Cup

Sandro Tonali saved an exciting 5-4 victory for Italy against Israel on Monday in a qualifying clash of the 2026 World Cup, scoring the decisive goal in time of detention to save the blues from almost collapse.

The speculative effort of the Newcastle United midfielder, who diverted through a crowd of players, sealed a meeting on the Russian mountains in Debracen, Hungary, since Italy seemed to squander an advantage of 4-2 late in the game.

Italy, who lost the last two cups in the world, had looked in control after the deputy Giacomo Raspadori quickly converted shortly after replacing the impressive Moise Kean, who scored the two opening goals. However, a clumsy goal by Alessandro Bastoni and a header Dor Peretz designed the level of Israel, forcing tonals to intensify with his last blow.

The result raises Italy to second place in group I, level on nine points with Israel, who played another game, keeping the blues at the playoff point.

“We will take the victory, which has been crucial, but we are completely crazy because we granted some absurd objectives,” said the Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso. “We have to work because we are too fragile. The boys know it, but this is my problem to be solved. You have to give credit to the boys because every time they have made a slap, they had the courage to react and fight.”

Italy Trail Group Leaders Norway of three points but still have the opportunity to claim first place and the only direct qualification position of the group. Gattuso now focuses on the return fixtures of October against Estonia and Israel, who were spoiled by the tragedy while the Israeli players wore black bracelets in memory of the victims of a deadly shooting in Jerusalem Est on Monday before.

The game itself was dramatic from the beginning. Italy was behind when Manuel Locatelli inadvertently marked a goal, before Dor Peretz restored Israel’s advantage to the 52nd minute.

Kean has pulled the level of Italy twice with precise low shots, followed by the flight of Matteo Politano to carry on visitors. The rapid milestone of Raspadori seemed to seal the victory, but the late combat of Israel left the uncertain result to the decisive blow of tonals.

Monday’s device was also obscured by the political tension due to the continuous offensive of Israel in the Gaza strip. A small group of Italian fans turned his back during the Israeli national anthem and held Stendardi to read “stop”, while the whistles echoed through the Nagyerdei stadium largely empty.

Despite the off -field tension and the defensive calm on the pitch, Italy managed to guarantee the victory, leaving Gattuso with much on which to reflect before the next round of qualifications.