Overview

• Stadio Friuli in Udine is set to hold the Italy-Israel fixture on October 14, 2025, as part of the Group I qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
• The Italian Football Federation and Interior Ministry jointly approved Udine as the match venue.
• Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni warned that ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran heighten security risks even though the city can reinforce safety measures.
• De Toni reiterated Udine’s pro-peace stance by calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and international recognition of a Palestinian state.
• This fixture marks Italy’s third World Cup qualifier under coach Rino Gattuso after matches against Estonia in Bergamo and Israel in Debrecen.