Italy Escapes Defeat with Last-Minute Winner; Kosovo Claims Victory in World Cup Qualifiers

Italy’s Last-Minute Heroics Secure Vital Win in World Cup Qualifying

In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Italy narrowly avoided disaster with a dramatic 5-4 victory over Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match held in Debrecen, Hungary. Sandro Tonali emerged as the hero, scoring a last-gasp winner in the 91st minute, propelling Italy into a crucial playoff spot in Group I.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Italy initially leading 4-2 before a late collapse saw them concede two goals in quick succession, leveling the score at 4-4. However, Tonali’s speculative strike through a crowded box reignited celebrations for the four-time World Cup champions, who now trail group leaders Norway by just three points.

New coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed mixed feelings after the match, acknowledging the importance of the win while highlighting the team’s defensive frailties. "We’ll take the win, which was crucial for us, but we’re completely nuts because we conceded some absurd goals," he remarked. "We need to work on that because we’re too fragile."

The match began with an own goal from Israel, giving them an early lead. Italy’s Moise Kean quickly equalized twice, but it was a second strike from Israel’s Dor Peretz that nearly sealed Italy’s fate. Just when it seemed the Azzurri were headed for a disastrous draw, Tonali’s late heroics salvaged the day.

In other qualifying action, Kosovo celebrated a significant 2-0 victory over Sweden, marking just their second-ever win in World Cup qualifying history. Goals from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi secured the win, while Sweden’s struggles continued, leaving them with only one point from their first two matches.

Sweden’s Premier League star Alexander Isak made his season debut but was unable to turn the tide for his team, as Kosovo’s defense held firm. "He had no pre-season with the team and of course no playing time," commented Sweden’s coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, reflecting on Isak’s challenging transition.

As the qualifying rounds progress, Italy’s dramatic win and Kosovo’s breakthrough victory highlight the unpredictable nature of international football, setting the stage for an exciting road to the World Cup.