Politano: ‘I can’t even remember last goal for Italy’ after 4 year gap

Matteo Politano couldn’t ‘even remember’ the last time he scored for Italy, but that was just another moment in a 5-4 win over Israel that was ‘madness.’

The Napoli forward popped up with the goal to give the Azzurri the lead for the first time in Debrecen, after Moise Kean had twice clawed back an equaliser from the Manuel Locatelli own goal and Dor Peretz effort.

Italy surged into a 4-2 lead with Giacomo Raspadori, only to throw it away for 4-4, until Sandro Tonali’s cross-shot squirmed through a sea of legs to win it at the 91^st minute.

Politano recognises ‘madness’ of Italy victory

“It was madness, an incredible match where everything happened, but we are happy that we were able to bring the result home,” Politano told RAI Sport.

He had not found the net in an Italy jersey for four years, since a brace in the 7-0 friendly win over San Marino on May 28, 2021.

“I don’t even remember when my last Italy goal was! I am very happy with the way we faced these two games, this is the right attitude and we must continue like this,” he said.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Israel 4-5 Italy

Gennaro Gattuso made his debut with a 5-0 victory over Estonia, followed by this chaotic 5-4 win against Israel.

“We’ve not been working long with the coach, so there’s a lot of work to be done. We conceded too many goals, but we showed character and pushed to the end for the win,” concluded Politano.

Italy climb into second place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group, as they are on nine points along with Israel, but with a game in hand.