Gattuso Delighted with Gaza Ceasefire Ahead of Italys Tense World Cup Qualifier Versus Israel

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso on Monday praised the inspiring Gaza ceasefire arrangement before his sides challenging 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Israel.

The Azzurri face Israel on Tuesday in Udine a compact northern city that will host extensive security measures alongside a planned pro Palestinian rally.

Approximately 10000 demonstrators are anticipated to oppose the fixture which represents about one tenth of the local population in Italys north eastern region.

Gattuso anticipates that the truce negotiated following two years of conflict including the start of swaps between Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees on Monday will ease the charged environment prior to a key game in Italys effort to reach the World Cup after absenting from the previous pair.

It was heartening to witness we discussed it with all the staff at our accommodation including those from the football association FIGC Everyone shared our joy Gattuso informed journalists.

I honour the views of the protesters outside but we are truly pleased that hostilities have ended.

The FIGC reported 8000 tickets sold for the encounter at Bluenergy Stadium which accommodates slightly more than 25000 with supporters largely avoiding the high risk fixture as classified by Italys interior ministry.

Nearly 1000 officers backed by aerial support from helicopters and drones will operate in Udine chosen as the site to minimise risks of unrest similar to the Nations League encounter between Italy and Israel last September.

In recent widespread actions backing Palestinians earlier this month activists visited the Italian squads training base in Florence urging the cancellation of the match.

Requests from Udines mayor Alberto Felice De Toni to delay the game have gone unheeded. 

Kean sidelined

Gattuso must manage without Moise Kean as the Fiorentina forward could not shake off an ankle injury from Saturdays 3-1 victory against Estonia.

Keans unavailability hurts Italy given the 25 year olds six goals in his most recent four national team outings including the initial strike in the Group I fixture in Tallinn last weekend.

We realised Moises return was unlikely Gattuso stated. 

He joined the team for meals today and we applauded his contributions from recent days.

Italy hold second position in the five nation section six points adrift of top team Norway and three clear of third ranked Israel while having one match more to play against each.

Victory in Udine would guarantee Italy at minimum second spot and play off entry with solely the leaders earning automatic passage to next years tournament in the United States Canada and Mexico.

Yet Italy with three remaining games would require Norway to falter versus Estonia next month for a viable shot at first place owing to the 19 goal disparity in goal difference.

Italy welcome Norway in their concluding group outing at San Siro on 16 November.