Tonali Secures Italy 5-4 Win Over Israel in World Cup Qualifier

Sandro Tonali scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory for Italy against Israel in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match played in Debrecen, Hungary. Italy had led 4-2 late in the game before conceding two goals to allow Israel to equalize, but Tonali's speculative shot through a crowded penalty area sealed the win. The victory moves Italy to second place in Group I, level on points with Israel but trailing group leaders Norway by three, keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification. Despite the win, head coach Gennaro Gattuso criticized the team's defensive fragility, emphasizing the need for improvement. The match was staged amid political tensions, with Italian fans turning their backs during the Israeli national anthem and Israel players wearing black armbands to honor victims of a recent shooting in East Jerusalem. The game was played in front of a small crowd, as Israel played at a neutral venue due to ongoing conflicts.