Udine tight security as Israel-Italy World Cup qualifier proceeds

Udine braced for large protests and heightened security as Italy hosted Israel for a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, with thousands marching through the city and police and military forces securing the stadium and team movements. Authorities said snipers were positioned on rooftops, helicopters and drones conducted aerial surveillance, and checkpoints, concrete barriers and metal detectors were installed around Stadio Friuli to control access to the 25,000-seat venue.

Organisers had called for a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city center in response to the conflict in Gaza, and local reports and organisers said about 10,000 people took part. The march was kept away from the stadium, which sits on the outskirts of Udine, and officials declared the stadium area a red zone with roadblocks and tall metal barriers permitting entry only to ticket holders. Just over 9,000 tickets had been sold for the match and supporters were warned to arrive early to pass through rigorous security checks.

To protect the visiting team and manage public order, the Israel delegation was escorted to the stadium by a police convoy that officials said included 13 vehicles, special forces units...