Overview

• Italy confirmed two enforced changes to the 27-man list, with Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano out and Roberto Piccoli and Leonardo Spinazzola called up, the latter returning for the first time since 2023.
• Gennaro Gattuso said Italy must play Israel or forfeit 3-0, voiced heartache over Gaza, and signaled willingness to switch systems, including a potential three-man defense.
• Udine’s mayor warned of roughly 6,000 spectators inside and 10,000 protesters outside the stadium, with calls to postpone rejected and ticket sales reported at about 4,000 as of Monday.
• Israel’s visit to Norway will also run under heightened precautions, with capacity near 3,000, no fan zone in Oslo, and match proceeds earmarked for Doctors Without Borders’ relief efforts.
• Italy visit Estonia on Oct. 11 before hosting Israel on Oct. 14, trailing Group I leaders Norway with a game in hand, as only first place secures automatic World Cup qualification and second leads to playoffs.