Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean's first Italy goals in three years secured a 2-1 victory over Israel, putting the Azzurri in command of their Nations League group.
Belgium lost 2-0 to France in Lyon this evening, leaving the Italians three points clear at the top of Group A2.The Azzurri inaugurated a new era with a 3-1 victory over France on Friday, although Riccardo Calafiori and Lorenzo Pellegrini were both injured. Luciano Spalletti made major roster changes, bringing in Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, Raoul Bellanova, Moise Kean, and Giacomo Raspadori. After losing 3-1 against Belgium, Israel named Gavriel Kanichowsky, Roy Revivo, and Dor Peretz to the starting lineup.
Raoul Bellanova had to make a critical interception to prevent Gavriel Kanichowsky's brilliant through ball from sending Manor Solomon clear, while Federico Dimarco missed a free kick from a difficult position.
Alessandro Bastoni was playing the more forward role that Calafiori typically played, and he blasted a cross from the left that was inches beyond Davide Frattesi's six-yard tap-in.
On 31 minutes, Israel had a great opportunity with a quick counter-attack, which was finished off by Manor Solomon blasting wide.
Italy broke the deadlock with an unusual goal, as Dimarco advanced down the left and sent in a cross that his Inter teammate Frattesi deflected in from six yards off his chest, as it was too low for a header and too high for a volley. Frattesi's six goals cemented his status as the club's leading scorer under Luciano Spalletti.
Moments later, Raspadori cut inside, but his deflected shot was smothered. After the restart, Frattesi nearly scored again when his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni passed him through in a highly advanced position, forcing a save at the near post.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was also called into action on 54 minutes, when Dor Peretz's scuffed finish was flicked on from close range by Sagiv Jehezkel.
Moments later, Raspadori cut inside, but his deflected shot was smothered. After the restart, Frattesi nearly scored again when his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni passed him through in a highly advanced position, forcing a save at the near post.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was also called into action on 54 minutes, when Dor Peretz's scuffed finish was flicked on from close range by Sagiv Jehezkel.
Soon after, Federico Gatti needed to make a crucial block on Liel Abada, who had managed to turn and shoot from eight yards.
Instead, Italy increased their lead when Frattesi sent Raspadori into the centre, and his effort was parried into the path of Kean, who scored from eight yards out. It was the new Fiorentina striker's first Italian goal in exactly three years.
Tonali also tested the shot-stopper from the edge of the box, putting the ball in the net on 75 minutes, but was offside on Kean's assist.
Marco Brescianini went on a solo run and was stopped by two defenders, but Revivo recovered the ball.
Italy failed to preserve a clean sheet again, as a free kick was passed on by two Israeli heads before Mohammad Abu Fani reacted quickly, blasting through a sea of legs from 14 yards.
Israel defeated Italy 1-2.
Frattesi (38), Kean (62), and Abu Fani (90)
Israel defeated Italy 1-2.
Frattesi (38), Kean (62), and Abu Fani (90)
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