Tensions flared after Italy’s 5-4 dramatic World Cup qualifying win over Israel on Monday night as Gigio Donnarumma and coach Gennaro Gattuso were among those caught up in heated post-match confrontations with the opposition.
Italy and Israel players clashed after the final whistle of their World Cup qualifier on neutral ground in Debrecen, Hungary, on Monday night.
What happened in Israel vs. Italy full-time scuffle
The Azzurri had just secured a vital 5-4 victory to move into second place with a game to spare, but tempers boiled over at full-time.
As reported by Fanpage, captain Gigio Donnarumma immediately reacted to comments from the Israel bench after the end of the game, prompting coach Gattuso to enter the field to calm the waters.
It didn’t take long, however, before the CT also got irritated, telling some of the opponents to ‘shut the f*** up.’
Television images showed Federico Dimarco and Giacomo Raspadori pulling Donnarumma and others away before they headed over to salute the travelling fans.
Israeli later players told local media that the Italians had been ‘teasing’ them for the whole game, sparking the fiery post-match confrontation.
Not Gattuso trying to calm the situation and then immediately getting into an argument with an Israeli player😭😭 pic.twitter.com/u25C1H9VLk
— Giacomo (@Giaco_analytics) September 8, 2025