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Italy held off a late surge from Israel to win 2-1 in their second League A Group B match in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, September 9. They now lead the group with six points, with France and Belgium trailing them on three points apiece, and Israel rock-bottom with zero.
Entering this contest on the back of an excellent display in a 3-1 triumph against France, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti rotated his squad and made five changes. One of those was forced as Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from the squad after picking up a knock in their last game.
However, these changes did not seem to affect the Italians one bit as they started the game with positivity and intent. They kept nearly 60% possession in the first period and managed six shots, with two of those on target, while Israel failed to hit the target with just one attempt. Federico Dimarco continued in his rich vein of form on the left flank, assisting Davide Frattesi for Italy's opener after 38 minutes.
The visitors carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the break.
Ran Ben Simon made two changes to the hosts' lineup during the interval, replacing striker Anan Khalaili and midfielder Neta Lavi as they looked for a way back into the game. They also showed more intent to keep the ball as the two teams nearly had equal possession in the second period. Israel also looked to attack more, resulting in far better chances than in the first period.
However, Italy maintained their composure as Frattesi's shot was parried by 'keeper Yoav Gerafi, with Moise Kean in the right place to tap-in the rebound. Despite being two goals down, Israel continued pushing in search of a goal to bring them back into the game. This came too late as Raz Shlomo's pass found Mohammad Abu Fani, who scored in the 90th minute with a sweet strike.
There were just four minutes of added time after that in which Israel could not mount a comeback as Italy secured the win. On that note, let's take a look at the visitors' player ratings.
Italy Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma - 6.5/10
Donnarumma was called upon to make just one save and also missed out on a clean sheet after conceding late in the game.
Federico Gatti - 6.5/10
Gatti won two duels and made one block in a decent defensive display.
Alessandro Buongiorno - 7/10
Buongiorno looked solid at the back as he won five of his six duels, making two clearances and two interceptions. He also passed the ball with 95% accuracy.
Alessandro Bastoni - 7.5/10
Bastoni put in a composed performance in defence as he won eight duels, making two clearances and one interception. He also played one key pass and expanded the game for Italy with eight accurate long balls from deep positions.
Raoul Bellanova - 7/10
Bellanova had a good game on the right flank as he won three duels and distributed the ball with 98% accuracy.
Davide Frattesi - 7.5/10
Frattesi opened the scoring for Italy in the 38th minute and attempted another shot in the second half that led to the second goal. He also played three key passes and won five duels.
Samuele Ricci - 6.5/10
Ricci had a decent game in midfield as he passed the ball with 90% accuracy.
Sandro Tonali - 7.5/10
Tonali played well in midfield as he distributed the ball with 93% accuracy. He also won four duels and attempted one shot on target.
Federico Dimarco - 7.5/10
Dimarco is one of the major reasons Italy's left side thrives going forward as he offers several options. He bagged an assist, played two accurate crosses and also won two duels in a well-rounded display.
Giacomo Raspadori - 6.5/10
Raspadori had a decent game as he managed two shots on target and also passed the ball with 86% accuracy.
Moise Kean - 7/10
Kean attempted three shots and scored with the only one on target. He also won two duels in a decent performance.
Substitutes
Andrea Cambiaso - 6.5/10
He replaced Bellanova shortly after the hour-mark and helped his team close the game out.
Marco Brescianini - 6.5/10
He replaced Raspadori but could not impact the game from attacking midfield as Israel seemed to have the area covered.
Destiny Udogie - 6.5/10
Udogie replaced Dimarco late in the game and put in a decent performance, winning both his duels and passing the ball with 89% accuracy.
Mateo Retegui & Mattia Zaccagni - N/A
The pair came on with less than five minutes left on the clock and did not play enough to warrant a rating.
