Italy Faces Israel in Tense World Cup Qualifier Amid Gaza Protests

Italy's national football team, coached by Gennaro Gattuso, is preparing for a tense World Cup qualifier against Israel amid widespread pro-Palestinian protests in Italy due to Israel's actions in Gaza. The match, to be held in Udine under heightened security and with a reduced crowd, faces a challenging atmosphere with thousands expected to protest outside the stadium. Gattuso emphasized the need for his players to concentrate despite the external pressures and acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the situation, stating that the team must play to avoid a forfeit loss. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina highlighted the delicate balance between personal convictions and sporting responsibilities, underscoring the importance of proceeding with the match as FIFA and UEFA have refused to suspend Israel. Italy currently stands second in their qualifying group and aims to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, making the upcoming fixtures critical despite the surrounding controversies. Both Gattuso and Gravina expressed hope that sport can unite people even in politically charged contexts.