DEBRECEN, Sept. 9 -- Italy prevailed in a whirlwind game to beat Israel 5-4 in their World Cup qualifier in Hungary yesterday after the Italians scored two own goals, twice came from behind and conceded a late equaliser but scrambled a win to stay in the hunt in Group I.

Italy had won their first game under new manager Gennaro Gattuso in a 5-0 home victory over Estonia on Friday and, while it was far from a five-star performance on neutral ground against Israel, they somehow came away with the three points.

"It was a crazy game," Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli told Rai. "The five goals scored should be emphasised, but we also conceded four and so there will be analysis to be done."

Italy's victory puts them second in the group on ni...