The Matchday 6 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Israel and Italy will take place on September 8 at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary. Israel vs. Italy: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Israel
Ran Ben-Shimon's side secured a commanding 4-0 away victory against Moldova in the last round. This win marked their third in the current qualifying cycle (1 loss), with Israel scoring even in their defeat during this stretch. Moreover, Israel's scoring streak in World Cup qualification has reached eight matches. In Group I, Israel holds the second position, but they are third in terms of goals conceded (6).
- Both teams have scored in 7 of Israel's last 8 World Cup qualifying matches.
- At home, Israel has remained unbeaten in 5 of their last 6 World Cup qualifiers (4 wins, 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in Israel's last 5 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Israel (4-4-2)
Daniel Peretz – Stav Lemkin, Roy Revivo, Idan Nachmias, Eli Dasa – Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Eliel Peretz, Dan Biton – Tai Baribo, Manor Solomon.
Italy
In Gennaro Gattuso's debut match as head coach, his team thrashed Estonia 5-0. After a four-match winless streak in World Cup qualification (2 draws, 2 losses), Italy secured back-to-back victories without conceding a goal. Furthermore, Italy has kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches. In Group I, the Italians are in third place with 6 points.
- Italy has not lost in 11 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches (6 wins, 5 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 away World Cup qualifiers, Italy has kept a clean sheet.
- Italy has not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 8 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Italy (4-4-2)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Dimarco – Nicolo Barella, Matteo Politano, Sandro Tonali, Mattia Zaccagni – Moise Kean, Matteo Retegui.
Forward Gianluca Scamacca is injured.
Referee:
Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)
Matches – 18 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 78;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 17%.
Israel vs. Italy: Match Prediction
Italy has recorded two consecutive clean-sheet victories, but their opponents were the weakest teams in Group I. Facing Israel will be more challenging for Gennaro Gattuso's men unless the new coach has quickly taught Italy how to perform away from home. In their last 6 away World Cup qualifiers, Italy has won only twice (2 draws, 2 losses), both with a 2-0 scoreline. Notably, the second goals in both matches were scored in the final 10 minutes.
Israel has only lost to Norway in this qualifier, but the Scandinavians had a strong start to the tournament. This defeat ended Israel's five-match unbeaten home streak in World Cup qualification (4 wins, 1 draw). It's worth noting Ran Ben-Shimon's side's scoring prowess: they rank second in goals scored after Norway. Additionally, Israel has scored at least twice in 7 World Cup qualifying matches. Their attacking flair should aid them against a defensively solid Italy.
In autumn 2024, Israel lost 1-2 at home to Italy in the Nations League. I believe Ran Ben-Shimon's team will hold a positive handicap this time. My prediction: Israel with a handicap (+1.5)
