Italy 1-0 Israel: Ciro Immobile heads home as the Azzurri edge closer to the 2018 Russia World Cup
Italy pulled off a narrow yet comfortable victory over Israel at the Stadio Città del Tricolore, with Ciro Immobile's header proving the difference.
The striker latched onto an inswinging cross from Antonio Candreva in the second half, following a goalless first 45, to put the Azzurri in the driving seat.
The victory sees Italy further cement their standing in Group G, now sitting in
The Azzurri began the match brightly, with Torino striker Andrea Belotti flashing an effort narrowly wide in the opening moments.
The hosts continue to apply the pressure and dominate possession, with Daniele de Rossi the next to go close on target.
An over enthusiastic approach would soon hinder Gian Piero Ventura's side however, with playmaker Marco Veratti going into the book following a late challenge.
The yellow means the PSG man will miss the next Group G games in the colours of his national side.
Immobile's second half effort rightly opened a margin between the two sides, though a resilient Israel side refuse to keel over.
Chelsea new boy Davide Zappacosta, called into the Italian squad as a late reserve following the recent humilating defeat to Spain, went close to adding a second for his side.
The visitors went close to causing a late upset through Ben Chaim, though his effort was unable to deceive veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks.
Italy saw out the clash and took a valuable three points, much to the satisfaction of Ventura at full-time.
'The result was the priority. We spent 80 minutes in their half,' the Italian manager told media at the final whistle.
'If we'd put in balls during the first half like we did in the second, we'd have been creating chances throughout.'