In Italy, pro-Palestine protests are escalating, with demonstrators demanding the cancellation of the upcoming World Cup qualifier match between Italy and Israel. The match is scheduled to be held in Udine on October 14.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, protesters approached the gates of Italy's soccer training center in Florence, voicing their opposition to the game. This demonstration coincided with a national strike spurred by the interception of an aid mission by Israeli forces. The strike saw participation from workers and students, causing significant disruptions, including the cancellation or delay of hundreds of trains and several domestic flights, as well as the closure of numerous schools.
A leader addressing the crowd questioned how Israel, which they described as a "Zionist and criminal state," could be allowed to participate in soccer games. The protesters, maintaining a peaceful stance, displayed a banner with the Italian words, "Let's stop Zionism with the resistance".
Since Wednesday night, numerous protests have taken place across Italy, triggered by the Israeli navy's interception and detainment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Earlier this summer, the Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC) formally requested that UEFA and FIFA suspend Israel from international competitions, citing humanitarian concerns related to the war in Gaza. Renzo Ulivieri, President of the AIAC, conveyed this decision to Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), emphasizing that it was a unanimous decision rooted in moral obligation. Ulivieri asserted that "the values of humanity, which underpin those of sport, compel us to oppose acts of oppression with terrible consequences". Giancarlo Camolese, the AIAC vice president, echoed this sentiment, stating that they could not simply ignore the situation and "just shut up and play".
These recent demonstrations follow a history of protests related to matches involving the Israeli national team. During a World Cup qualifier in Hungary in September 2025, Italian fans protested the Gaza war. In that instance, fans turned their backs during the Israeli national anthem and displayed banners calling for an end to Israel's actions in Gaza. Similarly, in a Nations League game about a year prior, Italian fans also turned their backs during the anthem, and some booed and made obscene gestures.
Despite the calls for cancellation, Italy's sports minister stated in August 2025 that the match would proceed as planned. He distinguished between Israel and Russia, which was excluded from sporting competitions, stating that "Russia is an aggressor, Israel was attacked".
An online petition, organized by Francesca Druetti and Andrea Di Lenardo, urging the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Mr. Abodi to cancel the match, has garnered significant support. The petition highlights the deaths of numerous Palestinian athletes, including Suleiman Obeid, and argues that playing the Italy-Israel match would be an affront to their memory. The petition also draws a parallel to the FIFA and UEFA decision to exclude Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
