Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni has expressed concern ahead of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, warning that only 6,000 fans will be allowed inside Stadio Friuli while up to 10,000 protesters are expected outside amid growing unrest over the Gaza conflict.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
SECURITY CONCERNS IN UDINE
The Italy vs Israel match is set to take place on October 14 at Udinese’s Stadio Friuli, despite widespread calls for the fixture to be postponed. UEFA and FIFA rejected appeals to suspend Israel from qualifying, leading to major protests being planned across the city.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
MAYOR WARNING
Mayor De Toni described the situation as “dramatic and paradoxical,” admitting that the city was effectively forced to host the game under tense circumstances. “It would’ve been a better idea to play it behind closed doors, to avoid throwing fuel on the fire,” he told LaPresse.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
PROTESTS AND PUBLIC UNREST
Italy has seen large-scale demonstrations and even a general strike in recent weeks, with many of those movements expected to converge on Udine during the match. Authorities are bracing for a difficult night as tensions remain high across the country.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
A CALL FOR PEACE
Despite the unrest, De Toni shared a hopeful vision for the future: “I would love one day for Udine to host a friendly match between Israel and Palestine, as it would mean we have two States and peace.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
STADIO FRIULI RECENT USE
The Stadio Friuli, which recently hosted the UEFA Super Cup between Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, will now take centre stage again this time under a cloud of political tension rather than celebration.