Moment furious Gattuso squares up to Israel star during crazy post-match melee

ITALY boss Gennaro Gattuso was involved in an ugly post-match spat after the World Cup qualifying goal-fest against Israel.

The Azzurri ran out 5-4 winners in a pulsating match in Hungary on Monday night.

4 Italy ran out 5-4 winners over Israel in their World Cup qualifier on Monday Credit: GETTY

4 There were chaotic scenes on the pitch after the final whistle Credit: X

4 Gattuso was involved in an ugly spat with an Israeli player after the final whistle Credit: X

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali netted a dramatic injury-time winner after Italy had let a 4-2 lead slip in the last five minutes.

Tensions had been high from the start with Italian ultras turning their backs on the Israeli anthem to protest against Israel's actions in Gaza.

And players clashed on the final whistle, with boss Gattuso at the centre of the melee.

Footage showed Gattuso snapping at an Israeli player Dor Turgeman.

The pair were seen exchanging words with Gattuso then appearing to take exception to something that was said and yell: "Shut up. F**k you!"

Gattuso didn't address the incident in his post-match press conference, in which he warned his players they must "improve" their performances if they're to qualify for next year's tournament.

He said of the Israeli's display: "They surprised us a bit at the beginning.

"Even if we put them in difficulty when we developed.

4 Gennaro Gattuso didn't hold back on his players after the final whistle Credit: GETTY

"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."

He said of his own team's display: "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."