“Don’t Play With Child Killers”: Italy Coach Cursed at Home After Clash With Israel
A protest campaign, nine goals, and a post-match brawl — the World Cup 2026 qualifier between Israel and Italy had all the ingredients of a powder keg, and it delivered exactly that. The political and humanitarian tensions surrounding the fixture had been simmering long before the opening whistle.
Protest Against Gattuso
It all began with a petition against Gennaro Gattuso, who took charge of the Azzurri in June. The initiative started in his hometown of Corigliano-Rossano (Calabria) but quickly spread across Italy. Fans demanded that the World Cup winner show solidarity with the Palestinian people by refusing to lead Italy against Israel.
Gattuso, however, dismissed the idea at a press conference, insisting the match had to be played. That only fueled the anger. Soon, a banner appeared outside his family home reading: “Rino, don’t play with child killers.” Supporters stressed that “what is needed today are decisive actions, not symbolic gestures of humanitarian aid or hosting a few dozen children.”
Journalists and Politicians Join In
Prominent Italian journalists also joined the boycott. Veteran commentator Riccardo Cucchi recalled how FIFA had previously banned Yugoslavia, South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Russia, Belarus, and others: “You may agree or disagree with such decisions, but double standards are unacceptable.”
Politicians also spoke up. Alberto Felice De Toni, mayor of Udine, opposed hosting Italy vs Israel in his city. Meanwhile, the Italian Coaches Association called on FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA to suspend Israel from international competition.
Global Backlash
Outside Italy, the protests grew louder. On September 6, Irish supporters unfurled a giant banner reading: “Show Israel the red card.” Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were also staged in France, Spain, Germany, and other European countries.
Even Ihab Abu Jazar, head coach of Palestine, weighed in: “I hope this match reminds the world that an entire nation is being killed every day. And it is being killed by those facing Italy on the pitch. Don’t forget 1982, when Italy dedicated their World Cup victory to the Palestinian people. Now, we need another strong signal.”
The Match: Chaos on the Pitch
Italian fans made their stance clear during the Israeli anthem. Many turned their backs to the pitch, before lifting banners reading “Stop” — a call to end the conflict in Gaza.
On the field, the game was just as turbulent. Italy had to fight back twice, but in stoppage time they sealed a 5–4 victory. Moise Kean scored twice, with Matteo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori, and Sandro Tonali adding the rest.
The Post-Match Brawl
The chaos didn’t stop with the final whistle. A scuffle erupted between players, sparked by Israeli forward Dor Turgeman. Gattuso himself stepped in to defuse the situation but ended up face-to-face with Turgeman after an exchange of words. The Italy boss, visibly furious, told him in no uncertain terms to shut up — and that was enough to bring the confrontation to an abrupt close.
Published by Patrick Jane
10.09.2025