Italy emerged victorious from a breathtaking, high-scoring thriller, defeating Israel 5-4 in a UEFA World Cup qualification classic on September 9th, 2025. In a match with relentless attacking play, the Azzurri just held on to claim three points in a dramatic encounter in Tel Aviv. The game exploded into life early, with both teams trading blows and goals in a frantic first half that ended with Italy holding a narrow lead. The second half continued in the same vein, with Israel fighting back to level the score on multiple occasions, only for Italy to immediately restore their advantage. The decisive goal came late in the game, securing a win for Italy in a match that featured defensive errors and attacking brilliance in equal measure. The result is a massive boost for Italy's qualification hopes after a potentially shaky start, while Israel will be devastated to have come away with nothing after such a courageous performance. The match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining qualifiers of the entire campaign. Italy's manager praised his team's attacking spirit, while Israel's coach was proud of his players' fight.