ALWAGHT- Police clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the northern Italian city of Udine ahead of Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel, as thousands marched peacefully to protest the hosting of the match.
Over 1,000 police officers and army personnel were deployed in Udine, Italy, as helicopters and drones monitored a large pro-Palestinian protest held several kilometers from the Bluenergy Stadium, where Italy defeated Israel 3–0 in a World Cup qualifier. Many local businesses closed out of caution, while those that remained open were required to remove any outdoor objects that could be used as weapons. The demonstration, organized by the Committee for Palestine-Udine, urged FIFA to ban Israel from international competitions, accusing the team of supporting occupation policies.
Protesters carried an 18-meter Palestinian flag and banners reading “Show Israel the red card,” chanting “Free Palestine” and “Genocidal Israel.” Tensions escalated when some demonstrators attempted to breach police cordons, leading to clashes. Police responded with water cannons and tear gas as protesters threw barriers and flares. Two journalists were injured during the confrontation, one of whom was hospitalized, according to Italian media reports.
Inside the stadium, attendance was low, with fewer than 10,000 tickets sold for the 25,000-seat venue. Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted that the charged atmosphere made it difficult to prepare for the match, acknowledging that the situation “was not a festive environment.” Boos were heard during the Israeli national anthem, as anger mounted over Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, which has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and left the enclave devastated by airstrikes and severe food shortages.
