Fewer Attendees Expected for Italy-Israel Qualifier as Nearby Pro-Palestinian March Gains Momentum
Israel’s World Cup qualifying match against Italy will proceed as scheduled amid a tense atmosphere in Udine. The match is set for Tuesday, shortly after a ceasefire agreement paused the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Security measures will be heightened across the city due to an anticipated pro-Palestinian march.
Marching for Peace: Pro-Palestinian Demonstration
A pro-Palestinian march is expected to begin in the city center a few hours before the match, drawing an estimated 10,000 participants. This demonstration may attract more attendees than the match itself, as only around 9,000 tickets have been sold for the 25,000-seat Stadio Friuli. Ticket sales have seen a significant increase, doubling in the last week.
International Context and Security Measures
The match follows a significant ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect four days prior. Additionally, on the day before the match, all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza were released, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Italy’s coach, Gennaro Gattuso, expressed joy over the release of hostages and acknowledged the emotional toll these events have on both players and spectators. He emphasized the importance of respect for those protesting outside the stadium.
Safety Protocols in Place
Security will ensure that the demonstration remains separate from the match. Authorities will implement roadblocks around the stadium and maintain a heavy police presence, classifying the event as high-risk. Helicopters will monitor the city throughout the day to maintain safety and security.
- Estimated march attendance: 10,000
- Tickets sold for the match: 9,000
- Stadium capacity: 25,000
Significance of the Match for Italy
For Italy, this match is crucial. A victory against Israel will secure at least a playoff position for the national team. Currently, Italy sits second in its qualifying group, trailing perfect Norway by six points and ahead of Israel by three points. Italy’s previous encounter with Israel resulted in a thrilling 5-4 win, described by Gattuso as “the craziest game” of his coaching career.
As emotions run high, both teams approach this qualifier with the hope of turning their focus to the game while navigating the complex emotional landscape of recent events. The stakes are high as Italy strives to qualify for the World Cup, aiming to avoid a third consecutive disappointment in the qualifying stages.
