In a thrilling 2026 World Cup qualifying match held in Hungary, Italy narrowly defeated Israel 5-4, with Sandro Tonali scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The match was a rollercoaster, featuring two own goals from Italy (Manuel Locatelli and Alessandro Bastoni) and multiple lead changes. Israel twice took the lead, but Moise Kean leveled for Italy both before and after halftime. Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori also scored for Italy, putting them ahead 4-2 at one point.

However, Israel fought back fiercely, with Dor Peretz scoring twice to bring the score to 4-4 late in the game. Tonali's curling shot in added time slipped through a crowded penalty area to clinch the victory for Italy. The match highlighted Italy’s defensive vulnerabilities and mistakes, including errors from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The game carried political undertones, as it followed a formal letter from the Italian Soccer Coaches' Association calling for Israel's suspension over the Gaza conflict. Israeli players wore black armbands in memory of victims of a recent attack in Jerusalem.

With this win, Italy moved ahead of Israel into second place in Group I, while Norway remains top with a perfect record. The result keeps Italy’s hopes alive for qualification to the 2026 World Cup despite earlier setbacks.