Italy's victory over Belgium marks a significant turnaround for the team, showcasing their potential ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
France's upcoming match against Israel is critical not only for their Nations League aspirations but also for their World Cup qualifying strategy, as finishing first in the group could influence their playoff path.
If Italy continues their current form, they could emerge as strong contenders in the knockout phase of the Nations League.
France's performance against Israel will likely dictate their momentum heading into the decisive match against Italy, which could determine group leadership.
Italy's national football team has successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the Nations League after defeating Belgium 1-0 in Brussels. Under the management of Luciano Spalletti, Italy showcased a strong performance, contrasting sharply with their earlier struggles at Euro 2024. The decisive goal came from Sandro Tonali, who capitalized on a setup from Di Lorenzo after a vertical pass from Barella. Despite some pressure from Belgium in the second half, Italy maintained control, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making crucial saves to secure the victory.
Meanwhile, France is poised to qualify for the quarter-finals as they prepare to face Israel. Currently second in Group B, France needs either a win or a draw against Israel to ensure their progression. They also benefit from Belgium's loss to Italy, which places them in a favorable position. A victory against Israel would set up a crucial match against Italy on November 17, where finishing first in the group would be at stake. This outcome is significant as it impacts their path in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
