Italy secure World Cup playoff spot with a big win in qualifiers

 Staff Reporter | PNN:
Italy confirmed their place in the World Cup qualifying playoffs after defeating Israel 3–0 on Tuesday night (October 14). This marked Italy’s fifth consecutive victory, taking them to second place in their qualifying group with 15 points from 6 matches (5 wins).

In the European Qualifiers, Group I match, Matteo Retegui scored twice for Italy, while Gianluca Mancini added one goal. Retegui netted the opener from a penalty in added time of the first half, then scored again in the 74th minute. In stoppage time (93rd minute), Mancini sealed the win with the third goal, ending Israel’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

With this victory, Italy kept their World Cup dream alive, while Israel’s chances are officially over. Italy now sit second in the group with 15 points from 6 matches, behind Norway, who lead with 18 points. Israel, despite collecting 9 points from 7 matches, can no longer reach the top two.

Meanwhile, former world champions Spain also recorded a dominant win in their group. In a Group E match, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4–0. Mikel Merino scored twice, while Atanas Atanasov of Bulgaria scored an own goal. In the 92nd minute, Mikel Oyarzabal added Spain’s final goal.

Spain now lead their group with 12 points from 4 matches, while Turkey sit in second place with 9 points from 3 matches.