Gattuso Celebrates Gaza Peace Deal Ahead of Italy’s World Cup Qualifier Against Israel

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has praised the recently brokered Gaza peace deal, calling it a “beautiful thing” as his side prepares to face Israel in a tense 2026 World Cup qualifier in Udine on Tuesday.

The match comes amid tight security in the northeastern Italian city, where around 10,000 protesters are expected to hold a pro-Palestinian demonstration, roughly one-tenth of Udine’s population.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Gattuso welcomed the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that began on Monday, hoping it would help ease tensions surrounding the fixture.

“It was a beautiful thing to see. We spoke about it with everyone at the hotel and within the football federation. We were all very happy,” Gattuso told reporters.
“I respect those who will be outside (the demonstrators)… but we’re very happy that the war has been stopped.”

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed that about 8,000 tickets had been sold for the game at the Bluenergy Stadium, which seats just over 25,000. Many fans are reportedly staying away due to safety concerns, with Italy’s Interior Ministry classifying the match as “high risk.”

To ensure security, authorities will deploy 1,000 police officers, along with helicopters and drones. Udine was chosen as the venue to minimize potential unrest, similar to the arrangement for last year’s Nations League match between Italy and Israel.

Earlier this month, pro-Palestinian protesters staged demonstrations at Italy’s training base in Florence, demanding that the match be canceled. Udine’s mayor, Alberto Felice De Toni, had also appealed for the fixture to be postponed, but the request was declined.

Kean sidelined

Gattuso confirmed that Moise Kean will miss the clash after failing to recover from an ankle sprain sustained during Italy’s 3–1 win over Estonia on Saturday.

“We knew there was little chance of Moise recovering in time,” Gattuso said. “He ate with the rest of the team today, and we gave him a round of applause for what he’s contributed over the last few days.”

Kean’s absence is a setback for Italy, as the 25-year-old has scored six goals in his last four appearances for the national team, including the opener in Tallinn last weekend.

Group standings

Italy currently sit second in Group I, six points behind Norway and three ahead of Israel, with a game in hand on both.
A win in Udine would secure at least a playoff spot for the Azzurri, though topping the group — and earning automatic qualification — would require Norway to slip up against Estonia next month, given the 19-goal difference between the two teams.

Italy will host Norway in their final group match at the San Siro on November 16.

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