Due to ongoing events in Israel, playing at home is not an option for the Israelites. Instead, their Nations League clash against Italy will be held in Budapest, Hungary, on neutral ground.
The Nations League remains controversial, as always, with every injury-filled international break. Independently of how critical fans, players, and even coaches are, it looks like there won’t be any change coming from football’s governing bodies.
Israel lost their first encounter against Belgium, placing them at the bottom of the group due to goal difference. Oscar Gloukh remains the standout player for Israel. Fans hope that he will be able to inspire his team to push further up the pitch, something they have lacked in the past months.
Israel’s recent record against stronger opposition has been disheartening, including defeats to Hungary (0-3) and other less formidable teams such as Iceland, Romania, and Kosovo.
These results have raised serious questions about keeping the three-at-the-back defensive line, which has failed to produce impressive defensive displays. The lack of attacking creativity further compounds the team’s issues, making Israel the clear underdog in a group featuring Italy, Belgium, and France.
However, Israeli coach Ben Shimon remained hopeful at the press conference preceding Monday’s clash: “The goal is to turn this so-called ‘Group of Death’ into the ‘Group of life’. We want to show our quality, see what we are able to do and find out what method of play are suitable for us”
There is hope for Israel, especially with players like Oscar Gloukh developing abroad, while domestic academies struggle to produce top-tier talent.
It’s hardly surprising that the Israeli coach will count on the expats, as announced in the same press conference: “There are players who are playing abroad who will help the team improve, and players from Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv are making a difference in their teams. We have a very good squad and we want it to improve over time.”
Italy’s position ahead of the match couldn’t be more different from Israel’s. The Italians started their Nations League campaign well, catching France off guard with a terrific 3-1 victory. Luciano Spalletti’s team has improved significantly in the past months, and Israel will be seen as the ‘minnow’ of the group.
Despite the odds favoring Italy, Spalletti has cautioned his team to stay focused ahead of the match. He hinted at several lineup changes, with three to five adjustments expected.
This is hardly surprising in times when coaches need to remain alert with injuries; the game against France was only three days before Monday’s encounter with Israel.
Unlike other coaches like Luis de La Fuente, who prefer to play with their main squad until it falls down like a house of cards, Spalletti seems to have chosen a more ‘humane’ path when it comes to squad management. Although he will have to do without Calafiori for this clash, Spalletti’s rotation strategy suggests he’s ready to adapt.
Bet hereWith both teams likely to employ a three-at-the-back formation, Italy is expected to secure a relatively straightforward victory in Budapest. Spalletti’s team has two fantastic players on the wings who can create an additional anchor to start the transitions.
Given Israel’s defensive struggles and uncertainty in their backline, Italy is likely to exploit these weaknesses with confidence.
Federico Di Marco, Mateo Retegui and Davide Frattesi are all names Israel should try to stop at all costs. It’s likely that their respective roles in Italy’s transitions makes them the most dangerous players on Monday evening.
Israel is expected to fold back throughout the game, as coach Ben Shimon has talked about finding a better, more fitting configuration. As they will still be looking for their identity, the lack of defensive pillars will only play in the hands of the Mighty Italians.
While Manor Solomon remains a key offensive figure for Israel, as praised by the coach, it seems unlikely that Israel will find the right formula to break down Italy’s defense. The task at hand appears too difficult for the Israelis, considering that Alessandro Bastoni is expected to play at the heart of the Italian Iron Chain.
Italy will approach this game with confidence. Even with Spalletti’s announced lineup changes, it would be surprising to not see the Italians gear up their game. The Italian coach has cautioned his players not to fall into the trap of underestimating Israel and stay focused.
While Israel’s key players, Oscar Gloukh and Manor Solomon, possess quality, it’s unlikely they will pose enough of a threat to disturb Italy’s well-organized defense. Israel is still figuring out their offensive strategies and patterns of play, which will make it difficult for them to break down Italy’s structure.
Italy, on the other hand, is expected to play a more direct game through the wings. Israel doesn’t have a direct answer to Di Marco’s threatening presence – an advantage Italy should look to use once more.
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