On October 14, Italy will host Israel in a World Cup qualifying match at Udine’s Stadio Friuli, a venue with a limited capacity of just 6,000 seats.
Published On 7 Oct 2025
Next week‘s World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel in Udine is anticipated to draw a larger crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the stadium than the number of fans inside.
Last week, activists protesting the conflict in Gaza gathered at Italy’s national team training facility in Florence, urging the cancellation of the fixture. This demonstration was part of a broader nationwide strike that mobilized millions across the country.
Italy’s head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, spoke candidly from the Coverciano training ground, which had also been a protest target. “The atmosphere won’t be peaceful,” he said. “We expect around 10,000 protesters outside, while only 5,000 to 6,000 spectators will be inside the stadium.”
As of Monday, ticket sales for the match at Stadio Friuli had reached just 4,000.
Despite UEFA’s contemplation of suspending Israel due to the ongoing conflict, and Udine’s mayor, Alberto Felice De Toni, advocating for postponement, Italy is determined to proceed with the game. The national team, four-time World Cup winners, is keen to avoid missing out on qualification for a third straight tournament.
Gattuso emphasized the necessity of playing the match, stating, “If we don’t take the field, the result will be a 3-0 loss by default.” He credited Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina for clarifying this rule.
Tensions between the two teams were palpable after their last encounter, a thrilling 5-4 victory for Italy in Hungary, where Israel has been hosting its home games amid the war.
Protests have also intensified in response to Israeli forces blocking an international humanitarian convoy.
“Witnessing the suffering of innocent civilians and children is heartbreaking,” Gattuso remarked.
Currently, Italy and Israel are tied with six points each, trailing group leaders Norway. Only the group winner secures direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The runner-up advances to the playoffs, a stage where Italy has faltered in recent cycles, being eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
Reflecting on the situation, Gattuso expressed his preference for a more supportive home crowd, recalling the vibrant atmosphere during Italy’s 5-0 triumph over Estonia in Bergamo last month. “Given our World Cup ambitions, I would have liked to play in front of that kind of enthusiasm,” he said.
Israel is also expected to face demonstrations during their upcoming match in Norway on Saturday. The Norwegian Football Federation has pledged to donate all ticket revenue from the Oslo game to Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Last October, Italy hosted Israel in Udine for a Nations League match, which passed without major incidents despite a pro-Palestinian rally beforehand. Italy secured a 4-1 victory.
In August, the Italian Football Coaches’ Association (AIAC) sent a letter to the Italian Football Federation, urging European and global football authorities to suspend Israel from international competitions due to its military actions in Gaza.
