Italy vs Israel Predictions

• Israel have conceded 14 times across their three meetings with the top two
• Italy have scored at least three times in all three games under Gattuso
• The hosts need to close a 19-goal gap in terms of goal difference, so expect them to pour forward

Gattuso needs more intensity

Italy’s hopes of making their first World Cup appearance since 2014 rest on them continuing Gennaro Gattuso’s strong start as head coach of the national side.

They’ve won three from three under Gattuso, scoring 13 times. With three games to go, including a showdown with group leaders Norway in Milan, even maximum points might not be enough for Italy to top the standings.

Italy have the chance to draw level at the top, but they trail Norway by 19 in terms of goal difference, and they’ve scored 14 goals fewer. Those are the required tie-breakers, so Italy need to go all out against Israel and Moldova before their finale against Norway in Milan.

Gattuso’s side won 5-4 against Israel in Hungary last month, while his only home game to date saw them thump Estonia 5-0.

Israel are firmly the third side in the group, beating the teams below them, while conceding 14 goals across three meetings with the top two. Given how desperate Italy are for a high-scoring win, back them to score at least three times for the fourth game on the spin.