Player Ratings: Israel 4-5 Italy – Alarming signals, but Kean dominates

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 09: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Israel and Italy at Bozsik Arena on September 09, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Moise Kean is Football Italia’s MOTM in Italy’s 5-4 win over Israel in the World Cup qualifiers.

Italy player ratings vs. Israel

Donnarumma 5.5 – A bit shaky when coming off his goalline and a couple of good saves.

Di Lorenzo 4.5 – Solomon was a constant threat down the flank. The Napoli captain struggled to deal with him.

Mancini 4.5 – Switched on and off too often. No balance at all.

Bastoni 4.5 – Didn’t win any aerial duel (via Sofascore) and seemed much more confident playing alongside Calafiori. His own goal brought Israel back into the game.

Dimarco 5.5 – Outstanding quality with the ball at his feet: 93% passing accuracy, three accurate crosses from six, 100% accurate long balls (4). Yet, he conceded too many crosses from the left. (78′ Cambiaso 6)

Barella 5 – Paved the way for Kean’s goal in the first half, with a long pass for Retegui, but it was his only key pass. (68′ Frattesi 7)

Locatelli 5 – Unlucky with the own goal, for which he made up with a vital clearance in the second half. The real problem was that he moved the ball too slowly.

Tonali 6 – Played a bit wider on the left flank in the second half. Hard to beat physically, but his passing accuracy was beyond disappointing (just 70%). Luckily, he scored the winner.

Politano 6.5 – First Italy goal in over four years. The first one in a competitive match for the Azzurri. Couldn’t have chosen a better moment, despite a tough first half. (68′ Orsolini 6)

Retegui 7.5 – Was involved in almost all of Italy’s goals, providing three assists.

Kean 8 – Sparked Italy into life with two quick strikes, equalling Barella’s goal tally for the Azzurri (10). Most importantly, he kept Italy’s World Cup hopes alive. (78′ Raspadori 7)

Coach: Gattuso 5 – The CT can be happy with the win and nothing more. The first half performance was flat, and the second half felt like being on a rollercoaster. The worst part is that Israel didn’t do anything special to trouble the Azzurri.

Israel Player Ratings

Israel: Daniel Peretz 4; Dasa 5 (66′ Jehezkel 5.5), Nachmias 4.5, Lemkin 4.5 (9′ Shlomo 6 (88′ Turgeman N/A)), Revivo 6.5; Dor Peretz 7.5, E Peretz 7; Khalaili 6.5 (66′ Baribo 6), Gloukh 6, Solomon 7.5; Biton 7 (66′ Mizrahi 6.5). Coach: Shimon 7.