Italy’s 5-4 World Cup qualifier win over Israel in Hungary was eclipsed by Gaza war protests, manager Gattuso’s remarks, and a heated post-match clash.
In cricket, hosts UAE‘s batting order collapsed against India in their Asia Cup opener, scoring just 57 runs, while in football, the Saudi Pro League closed its transfer window with record signings, as Al Hilal, Al-Qadsiah and newcomers NEOM SC flexed their financial muscle.
Gaza war looms over Italy’s nine-goal World Cup victory over Israel
Italy’s dramatic 5-4 win over Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was overshadowed by anger over the ongoing war on Gaza, with manager Gennaro ‘Rino’ Gattuso’s pre-match remarks, fan protests, and tense full-time scenes all adding to the drama on the pitch.
Gattuso had drawn attention earlier in the week when he commented on the horrible events in Gaza.
“It is heartbreaking to see civilians and children enduring what they are going through,” he said. “We were simply unlucky to be in the same group as Israel. There is little we can do about that. What we see is painful; that is all I can say.”
The qualifier, held in Hungary for security reasons, saw Italian fans turn their backs during Israel’s anthem and raise banners calling for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza, which has now killed more than 64,656 Palestinians – most of them women and children.
On the pitch, Israel twice took the lead before Italy surged ahead 4-2. A late rally for Israel brought the score to 4-4, only for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali to strike a 91st-minute winner for Italy that sealed the nine-goal classic and kept Italy in touch with group leaders Norway.
It was the post-match clash, however, that stole headlines. Gattuso reportedly told 21-year-old Israeli forward Dor Turgeman to “shut your mouth, little s**t”, prompting teammates Nicolo Barella and Tai Baribo to step in.
Israel captain Eli Dasa later tried to play down the confrontation, saying: “An argument broke out, they were very, very emotional… it is part of football, so we moved on.”
The Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC) has formally urged UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel from international competitions, citing humanitarian concerns over the war in Gaza.
In Ireland’s clash against Hungary in Dublin, Irish fans also called for football bodies to take action, with fans raising a banner saying “Show Israel the red card”.
UAE crushed by India in tough Asia Cup cricket opener
The UAE were demolished by India in the opening game of their Asia Cup campaign, losing the match by nine wickets.
The home side scored just 57 runs until they were bowled all-out after 13 overs, with the batting order collapsing when Alishan Sharafu and captain Muhammad Waseem were dismissed for 22 and 19 runs respectively.
With the Emiratis all out after just 79 balls, it was an easy task for India to take the victory, widely considered to be the best team in international T20 cricket.
They achieved that in 107 balls, although the UAE managed to take one wicket to prevent a complete wipeout.
It was a disappointing start for the Emiratis, who are hosting the Asia Cup tournament, having a promising run in the recent tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan, where they lost both games but with a gallant display.
They next play Oman on Monday, before another tough fixture against Pakistan later that week. Oman, another non-ICC member, faces Pakistan on Friday and India on 19 September.
Saudi Pro League’s transfer window closes with a bang
The Saudi Pro League wrapped up its transfer window with a flurry of big-money deals that reinforced the league’s growing ambitions to compete with Europe’s elite.
Al Hilal once again led the way, reshaping their squad after parting ways with Jorge Jesus and appointing club legend Mohammed Al-Shalhoub as manager.
Keen to back their new coach, the Riyadh giants landed AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez in a €25 million deal and secured Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez for €53 million. The signings highlight Al Hilal’s determination to stay at the top after losing veteran defender Yasser Al-Shahrani to Al-Qadsiah.
Al-Qadsiah made waves of their own, announcing one of the window’s most expensive deals – €68.25 million for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.
The club also added midfielder Gabriel Carvalho and promising Ghanaian winger Christopher Bonsu Baah, strengthening all areas of their squad. The spending spree signals their intention to break into the league’s upper tier and challenge the established giants.
Newcomers NEOM SC, promoted only this year, wasted no time in showing their financial clout. Backed by vast resources, they signed 18-year-old defender Nathan Zézé from Nantes for €20 million and secured experienced striker Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer from Lyon.
The league’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed by players. England striker Ivan Toney, who left Brentford for Al-Ahli last summer, claimed the Saudi Pro League was “on par” with the Premier League and insisted his club could give England’s top four “a good go”.