In a match that redefined the term 'roller-coaster football,' Italy narrowly escaped disaster with a 5-4 victory over Israel in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday. Sandro Tonali became the Azzurri's savior, curling home a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Hungary to keep Italy's qualification hopes alive.
The game saw nine goals, two lead changes, and defensive errors that left fans breathless. Israel struck first through an own goal, but Moise Kean equalized twice to steady Italian nerves. Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori appeared to seal the win at 4-2, only for Israel's Dor Peretz to spark a late resurgence with two quick goals.
New Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma endured a shaky night, while both teams benefited from defensive miscues. The result lifts Italy to second in Group I, three points behind leaders Norway, as the race for the group's sole direct World Cup berth intensifies.
'This wasn't just a football match – it was theater,' said one analyst at KhabarAsia.com. 'For investors eyeing sports markets or travelers planning Euro trips, games like this remind us why football remains Asia's fastest-growing cultural export.'
