[World Qualifiers] Retegui doubles, Italy 3-0 Israel to secure playoffs

Sports Weekly All-Media Original

In this morning’s World Cup qualifying European Group I, Italy defeated Israel 3-0 at home. Italy controlled 52% of the ball, shot 16 to 8, and expected goals 2.23 to 0.69. Gattuso's team currently has 15 points from 6 games and remains second in the group. After this round, it is guaranteed to at least reach the play-offs. In the last two rounds of the group stage next month, Italy has little hope of qualifying for the World Cup. It must win on the basis of a complete victory. Norway, which has a superior goal difference, will be unable to win at home against Estonia.

Italy 3-0 Israel

45+2’ (points) 74’ Retegui, 90+3’ Gianluca Mancini

45+2’ Retegui made a point, and then made the hit himself, Italy 1-0.

61' Groch's low shot was saved by Donnarumma.

66' Pio Esposito passed the ball and Cambiaso volleyed the goal, but it was offside and the goal was invalid.

73' Tonali made a long pass from the backcourt. Retegui intercepted the ball in the frontcourt and shot from outside the penalty area into the dead corner. Italy 2-0.

84’ Israel’s play with fire was blocked in the penalty area, Retegui made a cross, and Pio Esposito’s shot from close range was saved.

90+3’ The second attack from the corner kick, Dimarco passed the ball, Gianluca Mancini scored with a header, Italy 3-0.

Italy lineup (352): Donnarumma/Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Calafiore/Andrea Cambiasso (85’ Spinazzola), Barrera, Lorca Turley (86' Cristante), Tonali (90+3' Piccoli), Dimarco/Raspadori (46' Pio Esposito), Retegui (90+2' Cambiagi)