Tensions flared in the Italian city of Udine on Tuesday as around 10,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to protest Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. The match, which Italy won 3-0, was played under tight security as protesters called for a boycott of sporting ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite a recent ceasefire agreement and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas, protesters insisted that the game should not have gone ahead. The demonstration remained mostly peaceful, although a small group clashed with police near the end of the march.

More than 1,000 police and military personnel were deployed across the city, supported by helicopters and surveillance drones. Multiple security checkpoints, concrete barriers, and metal detectors were set up around the Bluenergy Stadium to ensure crowd control and safety.

The protest also targeted the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which has faced criticism for refusing to consider a boycott of fixtures involving Israel. Outside the stadium, chants and banners called for solidarity with Palestinians, while inside, a significant portion of the 10,000 spectators booed the Israeli national anthem before it was drowned out by applause.

Italy’s win keeps their hopes alive for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup — a tournament they’ve missed since 2014 — but the evening was marked as much by political tension as by football.