Security problems overshadow the qualifications of Israel in Norway and Italy

The Israeli qualifications of the World Cup in Norway and Italy are overshadowed by safety problems, with the mayor of the North -Italian city of Udine warns about the situation prior to the game that will be played there next week.

Israël visits Norway and Italy on Tuesday in group I. The first competition is in the Norway -National Team, Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, while the Italian competition is organized in Serie A Club Udinese Stadio Friuli, with a limited presence.

In recent weeks, demonstrators have taken to the streets in Italy against the offensive of Israel in Gaza and in solidarity with the humanitarian auxiliary fly that is intercepted by the Israelis while trying to break a navy blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

Collisions with the police were reported in cities such as Rome and Milan.

The mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice de Toni, said the lapresse of Italy: “I had asked to postpone the (Israel) competition because the atmosphere was not good for a national celebration because a national team game should be, but that request was not considered (by the authorities) for various reasons.

«It would have been a better idea to play it behind closed doors to prevent them from throwing fuel on the fire.»

Israel attacked Gaza after a Hamas -led attack in 2023 in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

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The Palestinian health authorities say that Israel’s two-year ground and air campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 people, with almost a third of the dead under the age of 18.

«We will end with 6,000 people in the stadium and 10,000 outside,» the Toni added. «It is a situation that was forced us before. The situation is dramatic and paradoxical; there will be more people outside than in the Arena.»

Unlike some other European countries, such as the UK and France, Italy has not recognized Palestinian state. The plan of US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza is generally seen as the most promising step to Peace.

Extra security in Oslo

The match of Israel in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, will also see increased safety measures. No fan zone is set up, with the capacity reduced to around 3000 and the roads around the Ullevaal are closed a few hours before the kick -off.

A protest in Oslo has been announced by the Norwegian Palestinian committee to coincide with the competition.

The secretary of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) General Karl-Petter Looken said on Monday that it would be safe to attend the game.

«Yes, we want people to come to the competition. We have done it and will continue to do it, a lot to guarantee safe conditions,» he told reporters.

The NFF has said that the proceeds from the game will be served on a humanitarian case, and adds that they will be reserved for the doctors without the emergency aid efforts of the borders organization in Gaza and surrounding areas affected by the war.

Norway is top of group I with 15 points ahead of Italy and Israel on nine, although the Italians have a game in hand. The group winners are eligible for next year’s World Cup in North America, with second place in the play-offs.

Published on October 07, 2025