Alexander Isak’s return couldn’t prevent Sweden’s defeat. Tonali’s late goal secured a 5-4 victory for Italy. Denmark and Croatia also secured important wins in their respective qualifying campaigns, while Tunisia booked their place at the World Cup finals.
Alexander Isak, Liverpool's record-breaking £125m signing, made his long-awaited return to the pitch for Sweden in their World Cup qualifying match against Kosovo. However, his appearance as a substitute couldn't prevent a disappointing 2-0 defeat, dealing a significant blow to Sweden's World Cup aspirations. The match, played on Monday night, saw Sweden struggle against a determined Kosovo side, further complicating their path to the finals.
Sweden's recent form has been concerning, having conceded a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Slovenia just days prior. Against Kosovo, they fell behind in the 26th minute when Elvis Rexhbecaj's shot was initially blocked by goalkeeper Robin Olsen, only for the rebound to deflect off Rexhbecaj's leg and into the net. The own goal set the tone for a frustrating evening for the Swedes.
Vedat Muriqi extended Kosovo's lead three minutes before halftime, compounding Sweden's woes. Despite the introduction of Isak and the presence of Arsenal's £64m striker Viktor Gyökeres from the start, Sweden failed to mount a comeback. Kosovo's defense remained resolute, denying Sweden any clear-cut opportunities.
The victory propelled Kosovo to second place in Group B with three points, trailing Switzerland, who maintained their perfect record with a 3-0 victory over Slovenia. Sweden now sits in third place with one point, level on goal difference with Slovenia. With only the top team guaranteed direct qualification and the runners-up entering the playoffs, Sweden faces an uphill battle to secure their place in the World Cup.
While Isak endured a frustrating night, his former Newcastle teammate, Sandro Tonali, emerged as the hero for Italy in a thrilling 5-4 victory against Israel. The match, held in Hungary, was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring two own goals from Italy, multiple comebacks, and a late equalizer before Tonali's dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Israel initially took the lead in the 16th minute when Manuel Locatelli inadvertently diverted Dan Biton's cross into his own net. Italy responded five minutes before halftime, with Moise Kean unleashing a powerful low shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner. The game continued to swing back and forth, with both teams displaying attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.
Israel regained the lead in the 52nd minute through Manor Solomon, who skillfully navigated his way into the area before setting up Dor Peretz to score. However, Italy quickly retaliated, with Kean smashing in a half-volley from the edge of the area. Italy then took the lead for the first time through Matteo Politano, who pounced on a loose ball in the 58th minute.
Substitute Giacomo Raspadori appeared to have sealed the victory for Italy with a goal nine minutes from time. However, Alessandro Bastoni's own goal in the 87th minute gave Israel a lifeline, setting up a tense finale. Just when it seemed Israel had secured a draw, Tonali fired in a stunning shot from outside the area, sending the Italian fans into raptures.
Italy's head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, acknowledged the chaotic nature of the match, stating, "We're crazy – we conceded some absurd goals but we will hold onto this win." The victory puts Italy in second place in Group I, level on points with Israel but with a game in hand, and three points behind Norway, who have played four matches.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Denmark cruised to a 3-0 victory against Greece, with Mikkel Damsgaard showcasing his dribbling skills and scoring the opening goal. Denmark now sits atop Group C, level on points with Scotland, who defeated Belarus 2-0. Croatia thrashed Montenegro 4-0 to move to the top of Group L, while Tunisia secured their World Cup spot with a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in African qualifying.