Gattuso’s Italy secure a spot in the World Cup playoffs thanks to Retegui’s double and Mancini’s late strike. Outside the stadium, Udine is on lockdown: thousands join pro-Palestine demonstrations, clashes erupt with police, and two journalists are injured.
Italy did what they needed to do on the field, beating Israel 3–0 in Udine to secure at least second place in their group and a guaranteed spot in the World Cup playoffs. But the night’s story was about much more than football — while Retegui’s brace and Mancini’s late goal lifted the Azzurri, the city outside the BluEnergy Stadium was tense, divided, and on high alert.
Retegui delivers again
After a shaky first hour and two crucial saves from Donnarumma, Italy finally broke through just before halftime with a Retegui penalty — confidently converted after his miss in Tallinn. The Italo-Argentine striker doubled the lead in the second half with a curling right-footed shot into the top corner, before Mancini sealed the win in stoppage time with a header from a corner.
For Gennaro Gattuso’s side, it’s their fourth straight victory and 16 goals in four matches — a promising sign of an attack regaining its edge. “We held our shape well and showed the right mentality in a game we couldn’t afford to lose,” said Gattuso afterward. “Retegui had a fantastic match.”
With 15 points from six games, Italy sit behind Norway (18) in Group B but can no longer be caught by Israel. The final group match, at San Siro against Erling Haaland’s Norwegians, will now serve as preparation for March’s decisive playoff.
Protests and violence outside the stadium
While Italy celebrated on the pitch, the streets of Udine told a very different story. More than 10,000 demonstrators — 15,000 according to organizers — marched through the city in a pro-Palestine rally protesting the match against Israel. Chanting “Free Palestine” and “Stop deals with Israel,” protesters clashed with police near Piazza Primo Maggio, where some tried to breach security barriers.
Police responded with water cannons and tear gas after fireworks and metal barricades were thrown. Two journalists, including Elisa Dossi from RaiNews24, were injured during the chaos.
Udine was placed under one of the tightest security operations in years: over 1,000 officers deployed, drones overhead, concrete barriers around the stadium, and snipers on rooftops. Businesses closed early, streets were empty, and fans faced airport-style screenings before entering the stands.
Italy move forward — but the road remains long
Udine’s night offered two contrasting images: on one side, an Italy team rediscovering its scoring touch and competitive spirit; on the other, a city shaken by social unrest and violence.
As journalist Paolo Tomaselli put it, “It’s a night that doesn’t end here.” Italy are through to the playoffs, but the path to the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain. On November 21, the Azzurri will learn their playoff opponent — and whether their long wait to return to the world’s biggest stage might finally be coming to an end.
L’articolo Italy 3–0 Israel: Retegui brace and Mancini goal send Azzurri to the playoffs amid protests in Udine proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
