Italy's Mateo Retegui, centre, challenges for the ball with Israel's Mohammad Abu Fani, left, during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Israel and Italy, at Bozsik Arena, in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)
Italy’s perfect start to the UEFA Nations League on Monday was maintained as France defeated Belgium and Erling Haaland scored a late winner for Norway against Austria.
The Italians continued their impressive win away in France this weekend by beating Israel 2-1 in a game played on neutral territory in Budapest due to the security situation in the Middle East.
In a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, where Honved plays, Italy won thanks to goals in both halves from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean.
Luciano Spalletti’s team has reacted well to their disastrous European Championship title defense, which ended at the last-16 stage, and deserved their second win in a matter of days.
Frattesi followed his goal in the 3-1 win in France by chesting home Federico Dimarco’s pinpoint cross in the 38th minute to open the scoring.
Fiorentina striker Kean made it 2-0 just after the hour mark with his first Italy goal in almost exactly three years, before Mohamed Abu Fani pulled one back at the end for Israel.
Italy are top of Nations League Group A2 with the maximum six points, while France and Belgium are level on three points apiece.
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