Israel and Italy players clash on pitch as Italian manager Gattuso criticises himself: ‘We are crazy’

Italy and Israel produced a nine-goal thriller in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary on Monday, which finished with players from both teams clashing against each other on the pitch. It was Italy who finally won 5-4 after Sandro Tonali scored the winner in the added time.

In the sensational contest, Italy scored two own goals, twice came from behind and conceded a late equaliser before Tonali earned a memorable win for the European giants. Italy’s third win after beating Moldova and Estonia and losing to Norway has kept their World Cup hopes alive.

Italy beat Israel in added time

They conceded the first goal against Israel in the 16th minute as Manuel Locatelli put the ball in his own net. Moise Kean found the equaliser in the 40th minute, but Israel made it 2-1 two minutes after the break thanks to a goal from Dor Peretz.

Kean found another equaliser just two minutes later, followed by goals from Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori as Italy raced to a 4-2 lead. However, the match once again swung in Israel’s favour as Alessandro Bastoni scored an own goal in the 87th minute and Peretz made it 4-4 two minutes later.

Just when it looked like the match was heading to a draw, Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz failed to keep out a harmless Tonali kick from outside of the box on the left as Italy clinched the match 5-4 in added time.

🇮🇹 Italy Defeats Israel With A last minute goal🔥

People Are Crying Tears! pic.twitter.com/MEPcyPrPgm

— The Resonance (@Partisan_12) September 9, 2025

Italian and Israeli players clash on pitch

The thrilling game had an ugly end as players from both sides were seen confronting each other on the pitch after the full-time whistle and support staff also joined the melee.

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso was seen having some heated words with an Israeli player.

“They surprised us a bit at the beginning, even if we put them in difficulty when we developed,” Gattuso said after the match. “The leg today was not very bright. It’s okay, the second game is always like this. We keep a fundamental victory, but we are crazy – we have conceded absurd goals.

“We have to improve in this aspect because we are too fragile. The boys know it but it’s my problem, not theirs.”

The former AC Milan great also praised his players for keeping their composure and securing the victory at the end.

“Credit must be given to the boys for reacting after every goal,” Gattuso added. “The fact is that you can’t concede goals like today’s. It’s not a criticism of the players, but something of mine that we have to improve.

“Although it was not a great day, we had mentality, there was heart and energy. In a match like this you also need a bit of cunning at 4-2, but now let’s enjoy the victory. I will thank the boys. If we want to do something important we have to improve, but the boys know it.”