The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign introduces an exciting European double-header on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. The first game is the Azzurri under Gennaro Gattuso taking on Israel in a very important Group I match which will likely make or break playoff spot. The second game is the game between Turkey and Georgia in an intensely battled Group E match as both teams are badly in need of three points to revive their automatic qualification hopes.

• Date: 14th October 2025

• Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC

• Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine

Italy has got their rhythm under new manager Gennaro Gattuso, but still, they have an issue about defensive consistency.

• Form: Italy has only lost to Norway in their last five qualifying matches, winning four of them (W-W-W-W-L). Their recent form is W-W-L-W-D.

• Aims Galore: The Azzurri have scored 13 goals in their last four competitive matches against Gattuso, proving to have enormous attacking capability. Their last two games were a wild 5-4 home victory over Israel and a 3-1 away win against Estonia.

• Motivation: Italy need a win to consolidate their hold on the playoff spot in Group I, where they are chasing Norway for the automatic qualification spot.

Israel enters this match in a win-or-bust scenario after an inconsistent campaign, but their last assault was remarkably strong.

• Form: Israel have won three of their last five qualifiers. Their latest form is L-W-L-W-D.

• Defensive Struggles: Israel have just lost five in two back-to-back games (vs. Italy and Norway), demonstrating acute defensive issues.

• Goal Scoring Streak: Israel has found the back of the net at least twice in five of their previous six competitive games, with their prolific attack tending to see both sides get on the scoreboard.

Italy comprehensively overwhelms the traditional rivalry, though recent meetings have been end-to-end thrills.

Unbeaten Streak: Italy are unbeaten by Ireland (W7, D1).

Recent Trend: The latest head-to-head was a thrilling 5-4 Italian victory in September 2025, where both teams scored.

Injuries & Suspensions: Italy are missing a few key players. Moise Kean (ankle injury) and Alessandro Bastoni (suspended) are out. Cole Palmer is also injured and a doubt. Sandro Tonali (midfield) and Mateo Retegui (striker) are both key players. Israel is missing Dor Peretz (midfield) due to injury. Manor Solomon (winger) and Oscar Gloukh (forward) will handle their counterattack.

Italy Predicted XI (4-3-3):

• Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Calafiori, Dimarco, Barella, Tonali, Frattesi, Raspadori, Retegui, Esposito.

Israel Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

• Glazer, Dasa, Nachmias, Baltaxa, Revivo, E. Peretz, Abu Fani, Kanichowsky, Gloukh, Solomon, Baribo.

1. Tonali vs. Israel's Midfield: The way Sandro Tonali had control in the middle of the pitch will be crucial in breaking Israel's tight defense.

2. Israel's Counterattack: Israel will be relying on the pace and skill of Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh to outmaneuver Italy's consistently pushed full backs.

3. The High-Scoring Trend: Given the sides' recent 5-4 thriller, this match is destined to be an open one, with the first score being the difference-maker.

• Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC (20:45 CEST)

• Venue: Kocaeli Stadyumu, Kocaeli

• Competition: World Cup Qualifying – Europe (Matchday 8)

Turkey is fighting to recover from a demoralizing defeat but secured a crucial victory in their last match.

• Form: Turkey's form during the qualification campaign is two victories and a defeat. Their latest form is W-L-W-L-W.

• Defensive Collapse: They were rocked in their season by a crushing 6-0 loss to Spain in September, putting their capacity to hold out against the best of Europe into doubt.

• Recent Dominance: They then responded with a comprehensive 6-1 thrashing of Bulgaria, showing their enormous attacking potential.

Georgia have impressed with defensive solidity and ability with the ball at their feet and are the dark horse in the group.

• Form: Georgia's form is one win, one draw, one defeat in the group. Their recent form is D-W-L-L-W.

• Resilience: Georgia were remarkably resilient in the return match, coming back to draw it 2-2 with Turkey before a late winner was surrendered.

• Key Player: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (winger) is the key creative player and will be vital in how to get around Turkey's defense.

Unbeaten Streak: Turkey are unbeaten in all seven of their all-time matches against Georgia.

Recent Trend: Turkey have won three of their previous three competitive encounters with Georgia, and all three fixtures have produced three or more goals.

Injuries & Suspensions: Striker Burak Yılmaz (suspension) will return for Turkey to provide an enormous injection of energy into their attack. Çağlar Söyüncü (injury) misses out. Arda Güler, who has been directly involved in three goals over the last two qualifiers, is one to monitor. Georgia lose a crucial defender to suspension, which will give pressure to their defense.

Turkey Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

• Günok, Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadioglu, Çalhanoğlu, Ayhan, Ünder, Güler, Aktürkoğlu, Yılmaz.

Georgia Predicted XI (3-4-3):

• Mamardashvili, Tabidze, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Davitashvili, Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze, Kolelishvili.

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Italy vs. Israel Prediction

Italy are the favorites. Their better attacking class and home advantage, coupled with Israel's porous defenses, will be enough to secure a comfortable victory. We expect a high-scoring match that will be decided by Italy's dominance in midfield.

• Final Score Prediction: Italy 3 - 1 Israel

Turkey vs. Georgia Prediction

Turkey enters this match as the marginal favourite, but Georgia's counter-attacking style and toughness make them a dangerous team. We have an incredibly close match, and Turkey's home support and depth of attack are the deciding factors in the end.

• Final Score Prediction: Turkey 2 - 1 Georgia

These two World Cup qualifier games will play a huge role in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Italy would secure their hold on the playoff position with a win, and Turkey would top Group E with one. The stage is set for a drama-filled day of world-class and high-stakes football.