World Cup Qualifier: Italy wins 9-goal spectacle against Israel

On a memorable evening of World Cup qualifying football, Italy struggled to secure their second victory in their second match under Gennaro Gattuso. Despite unusual defensive weaknesses, the Italians prevailed 5-4 (1-1) against Israel in a spectacular match.

Moise Kean (40th minute/54th minute), Matteo Politano (59th minute), Giacomo Raspadori (81st minute), and Sandro Tonali (90th+1) scored the goals for the Squadra Azzurra, which advanced to second place in its qualifying group. However, two own goals from Manuel Locatelli (16th minute) and Alessandro Bastoni (87th minute), as well as goals from Dor Peretz (52nd minute/89th minute), left the Italians trembling for victory until the very end.

The Swedes suffered a less than flattering result, suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat in Kosovo. Augsburg Bundesliga pro Elvis Rexhbecaj (26th minute) and Vedat Muriqi (42nd minute) scored for the underdogs against a weak Scandinavian side who, despite their top strikers Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, failed to score.

Switzerland comfortably leads Group B, comfortably defeating Slovenia 3-0 (3-0). Borussia Mönchengladbach's Nico Elvedi (18'), Breel Embolo (33'), and Dan Ndoye (38') scored the goals.

RND/dpa