#italy-national-team

#italy-national-team

Italy kept alive their faint hopes of qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup as they beat Israel 3-0 despite an underwhelming display in Udine. In front of a paltry crowd of around 9,000 in Udinese's 25,000-capacity Stadio Friuli, Gennaro Gattuso's team found the victory they needed but not a performance to inspire confidence ahead their meeting with group leaders Norway in November. Mateo Retegui scored a brace, the first a penalty in added time at the end of the first half before finally settling his team's nerves with a lovely curling finish in the 74th minute.

Haaland doubled Norway's lead with a right-footed finish after Anan Khalaili's own goal had given the hosts the lead. Another own goal, this time from Idan Nachmias, made it 3-0 as Peretz's clearance rebounded off the defender and into the net. Haaland then made history with a pair of headers to complete his hat-trick, the Manchester City striker reaching 51 goals in 46 appearances for his country.

A coach must be able to do it all, I have to set my ego aside and do what is best for the team,