Italy sent Israel crashing out of the FIFA World Cup race on Wednesday with a convincing 3-0 win in Udine, with Mateo Retegui scoringb twice, while Gianluca Mancini added a late third to seal the home side’s spot in the playoffs.
The win meant Italy stayed in second place in Group I with 15 points, three behind leaders Norway, while Israel’s campaign ended with no chance to qualify. But while the players did their job on the field, football fans turned social media into a comedy arena, thanking the victors for defeating the genocidal country.
One user wrote, “Thank you Italy ”, while another couldn’t resist the puns, saying, “Even the Iron Dome couldn’t stop Italy’s firepower .”
Another fan declared, “The Romans did it again,” comparing Italy’s win to ancient battles. One user said, “Italy saved football once again ,” while another joked, “The elimination from the World Cup was promised to them 3000 years ago .”
“Should have never been allowed to play. But well done! ❤” wrote one viewer, while another proudly claimed, “Italy are the saviors of the World Cup.”
Social media was flooded with memes, jokes, and celebrations as Italian fans rejoiced over their team’s big win and the end of Israel’s qualification hopes.
The win comes on the heels of an intense campaign to get FIFA to ban Israel from playing as the genocide in Gaza continued.
Italy now turn their focus to Moldova and Norway in their final two group games, hoping to secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, but for now, fans are simply saying: Grazie, Italia!