Italy edged Israel 5-4 in a World Cup qualifier that exposed defensive fragility on both sides, with the visitors' superior clinical finishing proving decisive despite near-parity in underlying metrics. Israel created chances from their 4-2-3-1 shape, registering 7 shots on target from 11 attempts, yet their expected goals of 2.08 underperformed their actual output, while Italy's 4-4-2 generated 17 shots with identical accuracy (7 on target) and marginally superior xG of 2.31. Moise Kean's brace led Italy's four-goal spread across the team, complemented by Locatelli, Politano and Bastoni, showcasing depth in their attacking arsenal. Israel's goalkeeper faced a 4.0 post-shot expected goals conceded figure but could only muster a 42.86 per cent save rate, illustrating the difficulty in containing Italy's varied threat. Referee Slavko Vincic oversaw a high-scoring encounter that reflected both teams' attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities. Italy's away victory strengthens their qualification prospects despite defensive concerns.