Italy look for three points against Israel on Tuesday
Kick-off : 8:45 PM (Local)
Venue : Stadio Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia
Italy played Spain on Saturday and were defeated 3-0. This would have harmed Italy’s morale and their hopes of a direct qualification to next summers World Cup are in disarray.
As for Israel, their hopes of qualification to the World Cup are over as they lost to Macedonia in Haifa last Saturday.
Italy shouldn’t have any problems in seeing off Israel on Tuesday. They are a quality side and three points are within their grasp.
They have won two home games in addition to 1-1 draw with Spain. Israel have collected only 9 points from 7 matches played.
Israel was not going to compete with Italy or Spain but their aim was definitely to finish above others in their group. But Macedonia hampered their hopes.
Back in September 2016, Italy beat Israel 3-1 with ten men. Giorgio Chiellini was red carded in that game.
Team news and possible line-ups
Ariel Harush will be available for Israel on Tuesday night. While Tal Ben Haim, Shir Tzedek, Taleb Tawatha, Ofir Davidzada should be the four defenders.
Yossi Benayoun is fit and will play against Italy. He, Bibras Natkho and Lior Refaelov should form the Israeli midfield.
As for Italy, Davide Zappacosta comes into the team and will play against Israel. Leonardo Bonucci was booked against Spain and will be suspended on Tuesday.
Rest of the Italian squad remains the same and Ventura has to choose accordingly.
Israel XI : Harush, Ben Haim, Tzedek, Tawatha, Davidzada, Benayoun, Natkho, Refaelov, Hemed, Shechter, Ben Haim II.
Italy XI : Buffon, Zappacosta, Barzagli, Darmian, Candreva, Verrati, Insigne, De Rossi, Bernardeschi, Immobile, Belotti.
Prediction
Italy should win this game 3-0.
