Udine, Italy, is currently under heightened security as preparations are underway for a competitive soccer match between Israel and Italy set to take place on Monday.
This event, part of the Nations League, unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have recently spilled over into Lebanon following an extended conflict in Gaza.
This match represents Israel’s first official game outside of Hungary in over a year. Following the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7 of the previous year, the national team had previously competed in Kosovo and Andorra last November.
Since then, all of Israel’s matches have been held in Hungary, including a recent Nations League fixture in Belgium, which was moved to Hungary due to security concerns.
Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, expressed a desire for the match to serve as a testament against war, stating, “We are going to play this match with the hope of convincing ever more people of the wrongness of war.
There are many Israelis who don’t want it, and we must convince ever more people that this is something that has to stop.”
Ticket sales for the match have been disappointing, with less than 12,000 tickets sold, which is under half the stadium’s capacity of 25,000 at Stadio Friuli.
The area surrounding the stadium has been designated a “Red Zone,” with security measures implemented two days before the event, restricting access to only ticket holders who must navigate through high metal barriers.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for thorough security checks.
In addition, local authorities have mobilized hundreds of additional police officers from nearby regions to ensure public safety during the event.
At the same time, a pro-Palestine demonstration is organized to take place at 5 p.m. local time in the city center, just a few hours prior to the match, with expectations of around 4,000 attendees.
