Italy turn focus to Israel

A bruised Italy will look to turn the page on a morale-sapping World Cup qualifying defeat to Spain when they host Israel in Reggio Emilia on Tuesday.

The Azzurri need three points to consolidate second place in Group G behind Spain and stay safely clear of third-placed Albania as they look to make it to the finals in Russia next year.

Giampiero Ventura's side were outclassed by the 2010 world champions, inspired by Real Madrid midfielder Isco, as they lost 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Tuesday's challenge against Israel at the Mapei Stadium in northern Italy has now become all the more important as the four-time world champions look to regain confidence with a two-legged play-off now looking increasingly likely if they are to reach the World Cup.

"A bad defeat which will help us grow ... now grit and determination for Tuesday," said midfielder Antonio Candreva.

Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne added: "To get to the World Cup we need to remain united."

Israel -- seven points behind Italy -- are coming off a 1-0 defeat to Macedonia, their fourth of the campaign.

But Ventura has defensive worries.

Giorgio Chiellini is still out with a calf problem along with Leonardo Bonucci, who picked up a booking on Saturday, and Leonardo Spinazzola, injured in the last few minutes in Spain.