<p>A fascinating World Cup qualification match is on the schedule for Monday, as Israel "hosts" Italy in Debrecen, Hungary. This match will be held at a neutral venue and it will kick off <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-europe/israel-v-italy-9587906">4:45 AM AEST on the 9th of September</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>This fixture presents a huge test for an ambitious Israeli side aiming to secure a top-two spot in the group, while for Italy, it's a must-win game as they look to avoid the unthinkable prospect of failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.</p> <h2>Israel's Ambition and Complex Preparations</h2> <p>Israel enters this international window with high hopes, currently sitting second in the group with six points from three matches.</p> <p>Coach Ran Ben Shimon has been clear about the team's objective: to fight for second place and be competitive against the top seeds.</p> <p>The squad will be looking to build on a solid start to their campaign, though preparations have been complicated by the security situation, which necessitates playing their home games in neutral venues like Hungary.</p> <p>Key to their chances will be winger Manor Solomon, who recently secured a loan move to Villarreal from Tottenham and is considered a vital part of the team's future success.</p> <p>Despite some players not getting regular minutes at their clubs, Ben Shimon has expressed confidence in his core group. The challenge will be translating their ambition into a result against one of Europe's traditional powerhouses.</p> <h2>Italy's New Era Under Pressure</h2> <p>The Azzurri are under immense pressure, having collected just three points from their first two matches - right before their massive 5-0 win against Estonia.</p> <p>Under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, Italy is looking for a fresh start and a return to a consistent identity. Gattuso has already put his stamp on the squad, calling up several new faces, including Giovanni Fabbian and Francesco Pio Esposito, while managing the notable absence of Liverpool's Federico Chiesa, who was left out by mutual agreement to regain full fitness.</p> <p>Their preparations for this match have been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of striker Gianluca Scamacca due to a knee injury.</p> <p>In his absence, the goal-scoring burden will fall on Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean. With captain Gianluigi Donnarumma leading the side, the focus for Gattuso will be on implementing his ideas quickly and getting a much-needed result on the board.</p> <h2>Prediction: Italian Quality to Overcome Stern Test</h2> <p>This promises to be a tense encounter. Israel, driven by their ambition to qualify, will be highly motivated to make a statement.</p> <p>They will likely set up to be organised and difficult to break down, looking to hit Italy on the counter-attack through the pace of players like Solomon.</p> <p>Italy, however, possesses superior quality throughout their squad. Even without Scamacca and Chiesa, they have enough firepower to cause problems</p> <p>Expect Gattuso's side to dominate possession and patiently probe for openings. The game could be a slow burn, potentially remaining tight into the second half, which points towards the under on total goals.</p> <p>The key will be whether Italy's attack can find its rhythm against a disciplined opponent. While Israel will provide a stern challenge, Italy's desperate need for a win and their overall talent should see them secure a victory by a narrow margin.</p> <p>Look for a late goal to potentially decide the contest as Italy's persistence finally pays off.</p>