Overview

• The mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, proposed postponing the Italy–Israel match on public‑order and moral grounds, noting the municipality’s role is limited to coordination with the Prefecture.
• The game is scheduled for October 14 at Udine’s Stadio Friuli as part of Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and has not been officially moved or altered.
• Interior Ministry sources say no specific security risks have emerged at this time and indicate the match can be played as planned.
• Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said Israel is in Italy’s qualifying group and the team must play, adding that FIGC president Gabriele Gravina is working to stage the Udine match in optimal conditions.
• A petition launched by the party Possibile has gathered about 20,000 signatures to stop the match, while media analyses note that any postponement or relocation faces tight calendars, UEFA/FIFA rules, and potential sporting penalties including a forfeit.