Israel 0-2 Italy: Frattesi and Kean keep Azzurri perfect

Davide Frattesi continued his hot streak under Luciano Spalletti as his first-half strike helped Italy on their way to a 2-1 win over Israel in the Nations League.

Moise Kean netted his fifth international goal to double the Azzurri’s advantage after the break, with substitute Mohamed Abu Fani scoring a late consolation for the hosts.

Despite a bright start from Israel, the visitors regained control of the contest as Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco threatened in the wide positions.

But a familiar face found himself on the scoresheet once again, with Frattesi netting his sixth goal under Spalletti’s stewardship with a delicate chested finish from Dimarco’s delivery.

Italy’s dominance continued in the second half and was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Giacomo Raspadori’s effort was saved by Yoav Gerafi, only for Kean to smash home the rebound.

Israel, however, threatened a nervy conclusion to proceedings as Italy’s failure to clear a corner was punished by Abu Fani with a fine finish from the edge of the area, but the Azzurri were able to hold on for the victory.

Job done #ISRITA #NationsLeague #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/WiMf5sLYJM

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) September 9, 2024

Data Debrief: Young Italians take centre stage

Italy fielded five starting players born since 2000 for the first time in their history in Samuele Ricci, Raspadori, Sandro Tonali, Kean and Raoul Bellanova.

Kean registered an expected goals (xG) total of 0.56 to Italy’s 1.56 total, recording the most shots (three) and touches in the opposition box (seven) for the Azzurri.