ROME (AP) – Israel’s World Cup qualifiers in Italy next week are expected to attract more pro-Palestinian protesters outside Udin’s football stadium than spectators who hold tickets in the arena.
Protesters are already approaching the gates of Italian training centres To request that the match not play in Florence last week The War in Gaza – Some of the national strikes seen Millions of activists Take me down the street.
“It’s not going to be a calm environment,” Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted from inside the Coverciano training centre, which was targeted on Tuesday. “There are 10,000 people outside the stadium and 5-6,000 people inside the stadium.”
As of Monday, only 4,000 tickets were sold for next Tuesday match at Stadio Friuli.
meanwhile UEFA was considering halting Israel In the war, Mayor Woodine Alberto Ferris de Toni had sought the game to be postponed. Italy is desperately trying to avoid qualifications In the third consecutive World Cup, the four-time champions will not risk playing.
“We have to play this match because otherwise we’ll lose it 3-0,” Gatuso said. “(Gabriel) Gravina (the Italian Football Federation) president (Gabriel) explained that very well.”
Also, after the final whistle there was tension on the field between the two teams. Italy edged Israel 5-4 Last month, in a nine-goal thriller in Neutral Hungary, Israel plays “home” matches during the war.
Protesters from Italy and elsewhere have also reacted International aid mission blocked by Israeli military.
“It’s upsetting to see what’s going on with innocent people and children,” Gatuso said. “It hurts your heart.”
Italy and Israel are at level 6 points behind group leader Norway, with only the group’s number one finisher being qualified directly for next year’s tournament in North America.
Second place finisher advances to the playoffs – Italy’s eliminated stage Sweden and North Macedonia They were excluded from the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively.
“We’re about to reach the World Cup and we definitely need to give everything, so we can understand that we liked to play home games with the enthusiasm we saw in Bergamo a month ago,” Gatuso said, referring to the 5-0 victory over Estonia.
Israel could also face protests during its visit to Norway on Saturday.
Norwegian Football Federation From ticket sales for the Oslo game, he has pledged to benefit humanitarian work in Gaza by doctors without borders.
Italy played Israel in Udine Last October, the Nations League. The game was turned off without incident despite the heavy police presence and despite the pro-Palestinian demonstrations before the match. Italy won 4-1.
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