A decisive and expected victory for the Italian national football team, which comfortably defeated Israel 4-1 in Udine. The match, technically modest given the quality of the opponent, had an unusual prologue outside the stadium, in the city, where a pro-Palestine demonstration took place in response to the war in the Middle East, ongoing for over a year due to the Israeli offensive. Over 2,000 people marched through the streets of the Friuli capital, with hundreds of police officers mobilized from neighboring regions to secure the area, designated a “red zone” for the occasion. There were concerns that terrorists could infiltrate the demonstration, but the event concluded peacefully, without any incidents or escalations.
Inside the stadium, protests against Israel were also evident, with boos directed at the national anthem before the match. The game was opened by Retegui, who confirmed his excellent form with a goal in the 41st minute. Di Lorenzo doubled the score early in the second half, returning to form in blue after a forgettable European campaign, and he later celebrated a personal brace. In between, Abu Fani temporarily narrowed the gap for Israel in the 66th minute, followed by Frattesi restoring a clear Italian lead in the 72nd minute, just before Di Lorenzo’s fourth goal.
With this victory, the Azzurri remain in first place in their group with 10 points, one ahead of France, benefiting from a favorable direct encounter and looking forward to facing the French at home during the next international break.
