Israel Faces Italy in Qualifier Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

Israel’s World Cup qualifying match against Italy is set to take place on March 26, 2024, in Udine, under heightened security conditions influenced by recent geopolitical developments. Though a ceasefire deal has paused hostilities in Gaza, the atmosphere surrounding the match remains tense.

Security measures will be extensive at the Stadio Friuli, which has a capacity of 25,000. As of now, just over 9,000 tickets have been sold, with a late surge in sales doubling over the past week. This figure may fall short compared to an anticipated pro-Palestinian march, scheduled to occur a few hours before kickoff, which is expected to attract around 10,000 people. The march will be kept at a distance from the stadium, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the city.

The match occurs just four days after the ceasefire took effect. On the day prior, all 20 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel were released as part of the agreement. In a press conference, Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed a mix of emotions. “They are beautiful images; we’re all so happy,” he said. Gattuso acknowledged the significance of the spectators supporting the team while also respecting those participating in the protest.

“It’s disappointing that so many families wanted to bring their children to what could have been a night of celebration, but we respect those who will be outside. We are happy that the war has stopped,” he added.

This match is particularly notable as it follows a similar encounter in Udine last year, chosen for its strategic isolation near the Slovenian border. Authorities have implemented roadblocks around the stadium, and a significant police presence, including helicopters, will monitor the area throughout the day. The match has been classified as high-risk, reflecting the charged atmosphere.

Prior to Israel’s last game in Norway, around 1,000 protesters marched to the stadium. In Florence, activists approached Italy’s training center to voice their opposition to the match, coinciding with a national strike involving millions across the country. The European football governing body, UEFA, even contemplated suspending Israel due to the ongoing conflict, while Udine’s Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni called for the game to be postponed.

Despite the protests, Gattuso emphasized the focus on the game itself during discussions with his players. “They know there will be many people outside the stadium, but we will focus on what we have to do,” he stated.

Italy currently sits second in its qualifying group, trailing six points behind Norway and leading Israel by three points. Both of these teams have played one match more than the Azzurri. Only the group winner secures a direct spot in the World Cup next year in North America, while the second-place finisher must contend in a playoff—a stage where Italy faced elimination during the qualifiers for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

As the kickoff approaches, the intersection of sport and social activism echoes loudly, drawing attention not only to the game but to the broader implications of the ongoing conflict.