The Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa hosts a critical Euro 2024 qualifier as Israel faces a must-win scenario against reigning European champions Italy. Israel, managed by Alon Hazan, has shown significant improvement and will rely on their passionate home support. Italy, under Luciano Spalletti, are under immense pressure to secure a result after a mixed qualifying campaign. For bettors, this match offers high-stakes drama, pitting a determined underdog against a footballing giant fighting for its tournament life.
This Israel Vs Italy Match Preview analyzes whether Israel can pull off a historic upset against the Azzurri. Our home vs away betting preview examines the immense pressure on Italy, providing a complete home vs away preview for this tense qualifying showdown.
Israel vs Italy Match Preview/Betting Preview
Italy enters as the heavy favourite on paper, but the weight of expectation and their inconsistent form makes this a perilous fixture. Israel will look to harness the electric home atmosphere, stay organized defensively, and threaten on the counter-attack. The visitors must control possession and break down a likely deep-lying Israeli block to avoid a catastrophic result.
Team Recent Form
Israel: LDLDW Italy: DWLDW
Key Stats
- Italy are unbeaten in their last 11 matches against Israel.
- Israel have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five qualifiers.
- The reverse fixture ended in a 2-1 victory for Italy.
Score Prediction
I predict a 2-0 victory for Italy. Despite their well-documented struggles, the sheer quality and experience within the Italian squad should ultimately prevail. The pressure of the occasion and the gulf in individual talent is likely to tell as the match progresses, with Italy’s defence holding firm for a crucial clean sheet.
Israel vs Italy H2H
- Italy have won eight of the ten previous meetings between the nations.
- The two draws represent Israel’s only positive results against Italy.
- Italy have never lost to Israel in competitive football.
- The average goals per game in their last five meetings is 2.6.
Pre Game Odds
- Home (Israel): 6.50
- Draw: 3.80
- Away (Italy): 1.50
Team News Home
Israel will be without star forward Eran Zahavi due to injury, a massive blow to their goal-scoring threat. Captain Bibras Natcho is expected to return to the starting lineup to add experience in midfield.
Team News Away
Italy will be without key midfielder Nicolò Barella due to suspension. Veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini has been recalled to the squad to provide leadership and stability to the backline.
Predicted Line-ups
Israel (3-5-2): Marciano; Dasa, Goldberg, Miguel Vitor; Yeini, Natcho, Peretz, Solomon, Karzev; Weissman, Dabbur. Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Jorginho, Verratti, Pellegrini; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
Israel vs Italy Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Italy Win Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals Tip 3 – Both teams to score: No
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