UDINE, Italy — The city of Udine is bustling with anticipation as Italy gets ready to face off against Israel in a competitive soccer match on Monday. The Nations League match is taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has now extended to Lebanon following over a year of warfare in Gaza.
This match holds particular significance as it marks Israel’s first game outside of neutral Hungary this year. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October, the national soccer team has played in Kosovo and Andorra in November. However, all subsequent matches have been held in Hungary, including last month’s away game against Belgium in the Nations League after the Belgian soccer federation declined to host the match due to security concerns.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti expressed his team’s commitment to using the match as a platform to advocate for peace, 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.”
Despite the significance of the match, ticket sales have been lower than expected, with fewer than 12,000 tickets sold out of the 25,000 capacity at the Stadio Friuli. This could be attributed to the stringent security measures in place, with areas around the stadium designated as a “Red Zone” 48 hours prior to kick-off. Only fans with tickets are permitted to pass through the tall metal barriers, and supporters are advised to arrive early to allow for thorough security checks.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, hundreds of additional police officers have been brought in from surrounding areas to reinforce security measures. In light of the potential tensions surrounding the match, a pro-Palestine demonstration is scheduled to take place in the city center at 5 p.m. local time, just hours before the game commences. Organizers are anticipating around 4,000 people to participate in the demonstration.
The match between Italy and Israel goes beyond the realm of sports, serving as a platform for discussions on peace, conflict, and solidarity. As the two teams take to the field, the hope is that the spirit of sportsmanship and unity will prevail, sending a powerful message in the face of ongoing conflict.
