Join us for all the build-up and action from tonight’s World Cup qualifier, as Italy cannot afford another slip-up against Israel.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio-Emilia, usually home to Sassuolo.
If you are on a mobile device or tablet, then follow the liveblog HERE.
Join us for all the build-up and action from tonight’s World Cup qualifier, as Italy cannot afford another slip-up against Israel.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio-Emilia, usually home to Sassuolo.
If you are on a mobile device or tablet, then follow the liveblog HERE.
The Azzurri have lost sight of automatic qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat away to Spain.
A play-off is on the horizon, but even that isn’t guaranteed yet, as Christian Panucci’s Albania are hot on their heels with a four-point gap.
Victory against Israel is therefore essential and Coach Giampiero Ventura is expected to again push his 4-2-4 system.
There have to be changes, as Leonardo Bonucci is suspended and Leonardo Spinazzola injured.
Israel are fresh from a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Macedonia and saw captain Eran Zahavi given a 12-month ban for tearing off his armband and throwing it to the ground during that game.
The former Palermo man reacted by resigning from the national team.
Israel have never beaten Italy, managing one draw and three losses, in which they scored three goals and conceded 13.
Their last encounter ended 3-1 in Haifa in September 2016.
The only other Italy game played in Reggio-Emilia was a 4-0 Euro qualifier against Lithuania in November 1995.