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Italy solidified their lead in Nations League Group A2 on Monday, securing a 4-1 victory over Israel in Udine, where extensive security measures were in place for Israel’s first match of 2024 outside Hungary.
Goals came from Mateo Retegui, who scored a penalty just before half-time, a double from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Davide Frattesi’s 72nd-minute strike. The win puts Italy at 10 points, maintaining their unbeaten run and placing them six points ahead of third-placed Belgium, who lost to France 2-1. A draw in either of Italy’s next matches against Belgium or France would secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
Luciano Spalletti’s revamped Italy showed a marked improvement compared to their poor European Championship defence last summer. Despite a commanding performance, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s mistake allowed Mohammed Abu Fani’s corner to sneak into the net in the 65th minute.
Di Lorenzo expressed joy over his double, with one goal coming from a header and another a powerful shot.
Israel, having played their previous fixtures in Hungary due to security concerns in the Middle East, remains at the bottom of the group without a point. Despite their position, they are not yet relegated to League B, trailing Belgium by four points with two matches remaining.
In Udine, the match saw heightened security, with the area around the stadium cordoned off and a “red zone” established 48 hours before kick-off. Police from neighbouring regions and soldiers positioned on the stadium roof contributed to the increased measures.
The security response came after Israel’s conflict with Hamas intensified following the group’s attack last October. However, the extensive measures, including police helicopters monitoring the area and local media’s portrayal of a “bunker city,” contrasted with the calm atmosphere in Udine.
Earlier in the day, approximately 2,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, accompanied by heavy police presence, peacefully marched through central Udine. Some protesters called for FIFA to suspend Israel from international football, echoing a recent Palestinian request that FIFA is currently investigating.
