New Delhi: Italy extended their winning streak in the Nations League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Israel at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest. Luciano Spalletti’s side, buoyed by goals from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean, showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. The win keeps Italy at the top of Group A2, following their impressive 3-1 triumph over France in their opening match.
Despite a late goal from Mohammed Abu Fani, Italy’s performance was solid, reflecting their strengths and areas for improvement. Due to a small crowd and unique security circumstances, the subdued atmosphere in Budapest did little to dampen Italy’s determination. Here are three key takeaways from their latest Nations League fixture:
1. Frattesi and Kean shine for Italy
Davide Frattesi’s game by numbers vs. Israel:
51 touches
5/7 duels won
4x possession won
3 chances created
3 touches in opp. box
3 tackles
2 fouls won
2 shots on target
1 big chance created
1 goal
Back-to-back goals for the Inter man. ⚽️⚽️#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Woqtd4VFq7
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 9, 2024
Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean were the standout performers for Italy. Frattesi opened the scoring just before halftime with a well-timed chest finish from Federico Dimarco’s precise cross. This goal was Frattesi’s sixth since Spalletti took charge, cementing his status as a key player for Italy. His form under the new coach has been impressive, highlighting his importance in the squad.
Moise Kean, making his return to the national team after three years, played a crucial role by doubling Italy’s lead in the second half. Kean capitalised on a rebound from a Giacomo Raspadori shot, slotting it past the Israeli goalkeeper. This goal marked a significant return to form for Kean, who has struggled with consistency in recent years. His presence in the squad adds depth and options for Spalletti, providing a much-needed boost to Italy’s attacking lineup.
2. Italy’s defensive concerns persist
FT: Israel 1-2 Italy
xG: 0.55-1.56
Shots: 6-12
Shots on target: 2-6
Big chances: 0-4
Touches in opp. box: 14-26
Possession: 45%-55%
Fouls: 13-10
The Azzurri make it two wins from two in the Nations League. 👏#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/aLNKePmC8x
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 9, 2024
While Italy’s attack was effective, their defensive weaknesses were evident once again. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring chances, Italy allowed Israel to pull a goal back in the 90th minute. Mohammed Abu Fani’s strike came from a free kick that exposed some lapses in Italian defending. This is the second consecutive match where Italy has failed to keep a clean sheet, which could be a concern for Spalletti.
The inability to maintain a solid defensive structure may pose challenges as the competition progresses. While Italy’s attacking capabilities have been impressive, they need to address these defensive lapses to ensure they can secure wins more comfortably. Improving their defensive solidity will be crucial for their continued success in the Nations League and other upcoming tournaments.
3. Squad rotation proves effective
FULLTIME | 🇮🇹 Italy 2-1 Israel 🇮🇱
A late Israel goal made this closer than it should’ve been, but nonetheless we get the job done. Was it the best performance? Certainly not. We played much better vs France. Would’ve also liked to have seen Okoli come on for his debut.
But 2… pic.twitter.com/nrmsiDmk7R
— Italy Focus 🇮🇹 (@theitalyfocus) September 9, 2024
Spalletti’s decision to rotate his squad proved effective in this match. Notable changes included the introduction of Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Raoul Bellanova. These players stepped up and contributed significantly to the team’s performance. Bellanova, in particular, made a key intervention early in the game to deny Israel a clear scoring opportunity, showcasing the benefits of Spalletti’s rotation strategy.
The rotation allowed key players like Frattesi and Kean to rest while ensuring that the squad remained fresh and competitive. This strategic approach not only highlights Spalletti’s tactical flexibility but also demonstrates the depth and quality of the Italian squad. By managing player fitness and maintaining competitive performance, Italy is well-positioned to handle the demands of the Nations League and beyond.
Italy’s 2-1 victory over Israel showcased Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean’s attacking skills, maintaining their perfect UEFA Nations League 2024-25 record. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
