Oct 15,V7N- Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored twice in a commanding 4-1 victory over Israel in the Nations League on Monday, moving Luciano Spalletti's team closer to the quarter-finals. The win keeps Italy at the top of League A Group 2 with 10 points, just ahead of France, who defeated Belgium 2-1. Italy now needs only one point from their two remaining matches to secure a spot in the next round.

Mateo Retegui opened the scoring with a penalty in the 41st minute, and after the break, Di Lorenzo added a second goal with a header from Giacomo Raspadori's free kick. Israel's Mohammed Abu Fani briefly brought his team back into the game by scoring directly from a corner in the 66th minute, but Italy quickly regained control. Federico Dimarco assisted Davide Frattesi for Italy's third goal, and Di Lorenzo sealed the victory with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Coach Spalletti praised his team's performance, noting their ability to create several chances and break through Israel's defense. Although Israel had an early opportunity through Oscar Gloukh, Italy controlled possession and frequently threatened Israel's goalkeeper, Omri Glazer. Retegui eventually found the net from the penalty spot after Dor Peretz fouled Sandro Tonali.

Di Lorenzo’s second goal came in the 54th minute from a well-placed header, and despite Israel's goal being awarded after a VAR check, Italy's confidence grew as Frattesi and Di Lorenzo secured the win.

With this victory, Di Lorenzo has now scored five goals for Italy since his first in 2021, while Dimarco has three. Israel, promoted to League A in the last edition, remain winless at the bottom of the group. Israel’s coach, Ran Ben Shimon, acknowledged Italy's dominance, attributing their performance to Spalletti’s influence. Italy will next face Belgium in November, followed by a home match against France.

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