Italy 3-0 Israel Player Ratings: Retegui Rated 9.5/20 as His Brace Secures Dominant 3-0 Victory

Well, what a performance that was from Italy. From our perspective watching the match at Dacia Arena, this was a completely one-sided affair. The Italians looked a class above their opponents right from the first whistle. Their dominance was total, and the 3-0 scoreline honestly doesn't even feel like it flatters them.

The game's pivotal moment, for us, came just before halftime. Matan Baltaxa's clumsy challenge on the ever-dangerous Mateo Retegui inside the box was a real game-killer for Israel. Retegui dispatched the penalty with absolute confidence, and you could almost feel the air go out of the Israeli side. They just never recovered from that blow.

Throughout the WC Qualification Europe fixture, Italy's midfield was simply sublime. They controlled the tempo effortlessly, recycling possession and launching attack after attack. Israel showed moments of fight, particularly through the energetic Anan Khalaili, but they were chasing shadows for most of the game. Retegui's second goal was a thing of beauty, and Gianluca Mancini's late header was the cherry on top of a commanding display.

Here are the Italy Vs Israel Player Ratings

Italy Player Ratings vs Israel

Here are Italy Player Ratings vs Israel

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma - 7.0: It was a quiet evening for the captain, which is a testament to his defence. He made two required saves, looking solid when called upon. What stood out to us was his calm distribution and command of his area. A clean sheet and a comfortable performance.

Defenders

Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 7.0: A very tidy and professional display from the right-back. He wasn't tested much defensively but he was always an outlet in possession, completing 91% of his passes. He just does his job without any fuss, a manager's dream really. A solid, if unspectacular, outing.

Gianluca Mancini - 8.0: Absolutely colossal at the back. He won his aerial battles, made five crucial clearances, and was a calming presence. To top it all off, he popped up with a well-taken header to score the third goal. A complete performance from the centre-back.

Riccardo Calafiori - 7.5: We were really impressed with this guy. He looked so composed for a player in a high-stakes game, winning most of his duels and showing confidence on the ball. He was strong in the air and read the game well. A very promising performance.

Midfielders

Federico Dimarco - 8.0: A constant threat down the left wing. His delivery from wide areas was exceptional, whipping in 11 crosses and bagging an assist. He created two big chances and was a nightmare for the Israeli defence to handle all night. Fantastic performance.

Manuel Locatelli - 7.5: The conductor of the orchestra in midfield before he was subbed. He dictated the pace of the game, passing with precision and breaking up play with three interceptions. A very intelligent and classy performance from the deep-lying playmaker.

Sandro Tonali - 7.5: What a workhorse. He was everywhere in the midfield, creating chances and getting stuck in with tackles. His energy was infectious, though he was a bit fortunate with the yellow card. He ran himself into the ground for the team.

Nicolò Barella - 7.0: Not his flashiest game, but his defensive contribution was off the charts. He won an incredible 10 duels and made three tackles, doing the dirty work that allowed others to shine. A tireless and selfless display.

Andrea Cambiaso - 7.0: A reliable and solid performance on the flank. His pass accuracy of 93% shows how tidy he was in possession. He worked hard for the team and provided good balance before being substituted late on.

Forwards

Mateo Retegui - 9.5: Unquestionably the Man of the Match. From our perspective, he was simply unplayable. He won the penalty with clever movement, scored it with power, and then added a stunning second from range. A powerful, clinical, and all-around magnificent display. The highest-rated player by a mile.

Giacomo Raspadori - 6.0: It just wasn't his day. He struggled to get into the game and missed a couple of half-chances. It was no real surprise to see him hooked at half-time. He'll have better days for sure.

Substitutes

Francesco Pio Esposito - 6.5: Came on at halftime and showed some bright sparks. He was active and had a shot saved but lacked the ruthlessness of Retegui.

Leonardo Spinazzola - N/A: Came on too late to make any real impact.

Bryan Cristante - N/A: A late change to help see out the win.

Nicolò Cambiaghi - N/A: Brought on in stoppage time.

Roberto Piccoli - N/A: A stoppage-time substitution.

Manager

I. Gattuso - 8.0: He got his tactics spot on. His team was well-drilled, dominant in possession, and ruthless in attack. The decision to start Mateo Retegui paid off handsomely. A near-perfect night for the gaffer.

Israel Player Ratings vs Italy

Here are Israel Player Ratings vs Italy

Goalkeeper

Omri Glazer - 5.5: A very tough evening for the keeper. He was left exposed by his defence for all three goals. He did make a couple of saves to keep the scoreline from getting even worse, but conceding three never looks good. A night he'll want to forget.

Defenders

Eli Dasa - 5.0: The captain struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from Italy's left side. He was often chasing back and found it difficult to impose himself on the game. A difficult 89 minutes before he was substituted.

Matan Baltaxa - 4.0: From our point of view, his was the performance that really cost his team. The penalty he conceded just before the break was a clumsy and decisive mistake. Despite making some clearances, that single error defined his game. A very poor night.

Or Blorian - 5.5: He was by far the busiest man in the Israeli defence, making a staggering 10 clearances. He threw himself in front of everything, but he was fighting a losing battle against a superior Italian attack. He can't be faulted for effort.

Roy Revivo - 5.0: It was a challenging night for the left-back. He struggled to contain the Italian forwards and lost possession on eight occasions. He worked hard but was simply outclassed by the opposition's quality.

Midfielders

Oscar Gloukh - 6.5: One of the few bright spots for Israel. He always looked to be creative and make things happen, creating two chances and forcing a good save from the keeper. He showed flashes of real quality in a team that was second best all over the pitch.

Eliel Peretz - 5.5: He put in a shift but was ultimately swallowed up by the Italian midfield. He struggled to get on the ball and influence the game, finding himself bypassed for long periods. A frustrating and anonymous performance.

Dan Biton - 5.0: While his passing was neat, he offered very little going forward. He got booked for a cynical foul and was part of a midfield unit that was completely dominated. Not enough impact on the game.

Forwards

Tai Baribo - 6.0: He had a thankless task up front. He held the ball up when he could and created a couple of opportunities for teammates. However, he was isolated for most of the match and never got a clear sight of goal himself.

Manor Solomon - 5.5: We were disappointed by his performance. As one of Israel's main creative threats, he was expected to do more. He lost the ball 11 times and cut a frustrated figure, despite hitting the woodwork once.

Anan Khalaili - 6.5: His energy and directness were commendable. He completed three dribbles and made four interceptions, showing a fantastic work rate at both ends. He was one of the few Israeli players to emerge with any credit.

Substitutes

Dor Turgeman - 5.5: Came on when the game was already stretched and couldn't make an impression.

Stav Turiel - 5.5: Was brought on to offer fresh legs but the tide of the game was already set.

Mohamed Abu Fani - 5.5: Had one shot off target but couldn't change the dynamic in midfield.

Guy Mizrahi - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Yarden Shua - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

R. Ben Shimon - 4.5: His game plan just didn't work. His team was set up in a way that couldn't handle Italy's movement and quality. They were passive for large spells and looked tactically outmatched from start to finish.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Retegui