Gattuso Admits Italy’s Defensive Fragility After Thrilling Win Over Israel

Debrecen: Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted that his team is “fragile” in defense after Monday’s “crazy” 5-4 win over Israel in Debrecen, Hungary-a result that keeps alive the Azzurri’s hopes of qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup without having to go through the playoffs. Italy are second in European qualifying Group I with nine points from three games, three points behind leaders Norway.

According to Ansa News Agency, Gattuso expressed relief over the victory but acknowledged the team’s defensive issues. “We’ll take the win, which was fundamental for us, but we’re completely crazy,” said Gattuso, who took over the national team after Luciano Spalletti was fired following the 3-0 defeat in Norway in the opening qualifier.

Gattuso lamented the team’s defensive lapses, saying, “We conceded some silly goals. We are fragile, we concede goals too easily. It’s not a criticism of the players, it’s my problem, which I have to sort with my staff.” Despite the defensive concerns, Gattuso praised the players for their resilience, “I have to give credit to the lads, who had the desire to deal with every heavy blow. Despite not being a brilliant night, we showed heart and the desire to react. This is something we have to continue working on.”

The match saw midfielder Manuel Locatelli give Israel the lead with an own goal in the early stages. Moise Kean leveled the score, but Israel regained the lead after the break with Dor Peretz. Kean was on target again to pull the Azzurri back, and they looked to be cruising when Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori put them 4-2 up.

However, Italy then conceded two goals in three minutes in the closing stages, with Bastoni turning the ball into his own net and Peretz heading in his second of the night. In the end, Sandro Tonali curled the ball home in stoppage time to secure the victory for Italy.