Immobile header gives Italy win after sluggish start
REGGIO EMILIA ( Italy): Ciro Immobile’s second half header got Italy back to winning ways in a 1-0 victory over Israel in Reggio Emilia to move them closer to the 2018 World Cup.
After losing 3-0 to Spain at the Bernabeu on Saturday, Italy needed a win to continue to aspire to first place in Group G, leading to automatic qualification.
Italy still have a remote chance of finishing first as they sit three points behind Spain with two games left, but the playoffs look increasingly likely.
Spain top the table after routing Liechtenstein 8-0.
The three points in the Mapei Stadium helped Italy consolidate second place in Group G, six points clear of third-placed Albania, who were held 1-1 by Macedonia.
“It is clear that the result was the priority but I am happy,” said coach Giampiero Ventura.
“We spent 80 minutes in the opposition half, although we did not do well in the first half.
“It is a small step that should convince us to do better.”
Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, one of the most prominent players in the game against Spain, barely improved his performance and also picked up a yellow card that will prevent him from playing against Macedonia in October.
He was jeered as he left the pitch.
After the break Italy improved, with a clear first chance for Immobile (48). Five minutes later the Lazio striker opened the scor- ing with a header from an excellent centre by Antonio Candreva.
“We needed a victory, it’s a positive thing, it’s a game that is unlocked by scoring fast,” said Candreva.
“After the goal everything was easier.”
Israel playing without captain Eran Zahavi who quit international football in disgust after his side were jeered by home fans in Haifa on Saturday in a shock loss to Macedonia, suffered their fifth defeat of the campaign.
Italy next have games against Macedonia in Turin and Albania away in October.
The last time Italy had to go through playoffs was in 1997 on the road to the 1998 World Cup in France.