Overview

• Sandro Tonali settled a chaotic qualifier in Debrecen with a 91st‑minute strike after Israel had drawn level at 4-4 by the 89th minute.
• Gennaro Gattuso called the Azzurri “too fragile” in defense, took responsibility for the lapses, and said fixing them is now the priority.
• Two own goals by Manuel Locatelli and Alessandro Bastoni and repeated late concessions highlighted structural problems, and tempers flared after full time with Israeli claims of insults that the Italian side disputes.
• Italy’s attack has surged: Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui have combined for five goals and four assists across the last two games as the team recorded 10 goals, with Giacomo Raspadori scoring off the bench.
• Norway strengthened their lead by beating Moldova 11-1 to extend the goal‑difference gap to +16 over Italy’s +5, leaving the Azzurri needing wins in October and November and a Norwegian slip to chase direct qualification.