FIFA World Cup Qualification: Italy-Israel match creates high alert as pro-Palestinian march underway

The city of Udine has taken extraordinary security measures ahead of Italy’s upcoming World Cup qualifier with Israel, as a pro-Palestinian march is set to take place on the day of the match, even after Israel and Hamas agreed to a peace deal.

March organizer Committee for Palestine-Udine is opposing what it calls the «violence of the Israeli occupation in Palestinian territories» and expects more than 10,000 people to attend on Tuesday, hours before the match starts at the Stadio Friuli.

“Our demands remain unchanged,” said a spokesman for the group, calling the match a “game of shame.”

“We stand with the Palestinian people, for their right to self-determination, their right of return and their right to live a life free from occupation, in Gaza and throughout Palestine.”

“Our pressure will not end until the Palestinian people are completely free.”

The municipality of Udine issued a number of restrictions on Friday, with road closures and parking restrictions coming into effect from Saturday and installing concrete barriers in the stadium area to establish safety zones.

There is a ban on serving food and drinks in glass, ceramic or pewter containers on the day of the match, and all outdoor furniture must be removed from public places.

The National Observatory on Sporting Events assigned the highest risk level to the game, and the Prefecture of Udine, a government agency, said the march could provide an opportunity for infiltration by violent groups.

March organizers say they have no intention of preventing the match from going ahead as the protest is taking place far away from the stadium, but other demonstrations could take place.

Israel will play Norway in Oslo on Saturday, while Italy will play Estonia. Norway tops Group I with 15 points from five games, Italy is second with nine points after four games, level with Israel, which has played one game more.

Published on October 11, 2025