The "small hand" 5-0 win over Estonia was a flawless debut for new coach Gennaro Gattuso, yet tonight’s away game in Israel will be a bigger challenge. This match is not only vital for the chance to secure a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup but also serves as a test of the fresh spirit that "Rino" is bringing to the Azzurri.
Beating Estonia 5-0 was Italy’s most decisive victory in exactly four years (since the 5-0 win over Lithuania on 9/9/2021 in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers), showcasing a refreshed team with attacking momentum and a fierce hunger for victory.
An impressive debut, but challenges lie ahead
Although it took until the second half to break the deadlock after many wasted chances earlier, once they found their rhythm, goals came rapidly and in various forms. Gattuso’s players demonstrated an impressive all-out attacking style.
The most encouraging aspect was the brilliance of all the attacking players. Starting forwards Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui (who scored twice) troubled Estonia’s defense, which largely relied on goalkeeper Karl Hein’s talent, while "super sub" Giacomo Raspadori made an immediate impact with a goal and two assists. Everyone contributed and showed strong desire—this is the spirit fans have long awaited. The high pressing, continuous pressure on the opponent, and suffocating dominance (70% possession, 40 shots) reflected a very positive impression of Gattuso, who faced much doubt after taking over the national team.
However, it is clear that Estonia was a very weak opponent. That victory was significant mentally but cannot yet serve as an accurate measure of Italy’s strength. Israel will be a challenge at a completely different level. They are in excellent form with five wins in their last six matches and currently hold second place, the playoff spot.
Still, history is on the Azzurri’s side. Italy has never lost to Israel (6 wins, 1 draw) and has won all their last four encounters. Exactly one year ago, on 10/9/2024, Italy also defeated Israel 2-1 away in the Nations League, with goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean. A win tonight is entirely possible for Italy and is necessary to keep their direct qualification hopes alive in Group I, avoiding the risky playoff scenario.
Italy’s big win marked the start of Gennaro Gattuso’s reign
Gattuso knows how to win
Coach Gattuso fully understands the risks of an overly attacking style. After the Estonia victory, he openly admitted: "We allowed them some counterattacks and accepted numerical balance in defense... When the opponent’s level rises, you need a bit more balance."
This indicates Gattuso will almost certainly make tactical adjustments for the Israel match. Continuing with a 4-4-2 formation with two strikers and two attacking wingers is a big risk. Several options are being considered. He might switch to a 4-3-3, sacrificing one attacker to add a central midfielder (possibly Locatelli) to support the defense. Another possibility is keeping the 4-4-2 but deploying a left winger with stronger defensive tendencies, such as Andrea Cambiaso, instead of a purely attacking Zaccagni.
Gattuso’s style is greatly influenced by his mentor Marcello Lippi, whom he regards as a role model. Like Lippi, Gattuso wants players to take the field with a winning mindset and play attractive attacking football. But he is pragmatic enough to know when adjustments are needed. In the 2006 World Cup semifinal, Lippi boldly switched to a 4-2-4 formation in extra time to beat Germany. Gattuso may also use similar "tricks," such as Raspadori’s impactful performance off the bench.
Tonight’s neutral-ground match in Debrecen, Hungary, will be a true test of the "Italy-Gattuso" character. A win will not only earn valuable 3 points on the road to the 2026 World Cup but also boost fans’ confidence that the Azzurri blue is returning to its former glory.
Hard to stop Norway
Italy crushed Estonia but still trails Norway by 6 points (Norway has played one more game). In the fifth round, the Nordic team faces Moldova, whom they beat 5-0 away in the first leg, so another 3 points for Haaland and his teammates is almost guaranteed. Therefore, Italy must also beat Israel to maintain the 6-point gap, hoping to reduce it to 3 points before the rematch against Norway on 16/11—a game they must win. That is nearly their only chance to challenge Norway for the top spot.
Vĩnh Nguyên
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