Israel coach: Italy and Gattuso ‘very encouraging’ | OneFootball

Israel head coach Ben Shimon admits his players heard words they ‘didn’t want to hear’ but insists Italy and Gennaro Gattuso were ‘very encouraging.’

Italy’s dramatic 5-4 win over Israel on Monday ended with a full-time scuffle involving some of the players from both teams and even Italy’s coach, Gattuso.

What happened between Italy and Israel

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Israeli players accused the Azzurri of insulting them for the entire game, leading to an on-the-field argument.

A report even claimed that members of the Italian delegation then apologised to the Israeli footballers, but sources within the Italian team later denied this.

Israel coach Shimon, however, now claims that the Azzurri and their boss Gattuso had a positive attitude after the public dispute.

Shimon: Encouraging Italy

Ran Ben Shimon Israel (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

“The Italians were very, very encouraging. Gattuso himself encouraged us after the match,” Shimon told local media via TMW.

After such a match, there are many emotions in the air, but as footballers and athletes, we must set an example. We know that our team is not very popular, but my players told me they heard words they didn’t want to hear. For me, the important thing is always to respect the opponent.