Italy continued their impressive run in the Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Israel on Monday in Budapest. The match, held at the Bozsik Arena due to the security situation in the Middle East, saw Italy secure their win with goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean.
Frattesi scored Italy’s first goal in the 38th minute, heading in a precise cross from Federico Dimarco. This marked his sixth goal for Italy since Luciano Spalletti took over as head coach from Roberto Mancini just over a year ago. The goal put Italy in control, despite a slow start similar to their performance in the 3-1 win against France on Friday in Paris.
Israel’s Sagiv Jehezkel had a chance to equalize shortly after halftime but failed to convert Dor Peretz’s deflected shot past Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range. In the 62nd minute, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean netted his first goal for Italy in nearly three years, effectively sealing the win. Mohamed Abu Fani’s late goal for Israel in the final minute came too late to alter the outcome.
The match, played in front of a sparse crowd of 2,000 fans, lacked the usual atmosphere of a senior international fixture. The most notable moment off the pitch was when a small group of Italy fans turned their backs during Israel’s national anthem at the start of the game.
Despite the subdued environment, Italy’s performance was solid, continuing their strong form following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign that ended in the last 16.
