Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso has spoken out as pressure grows for Israel to be excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Gattuso said he feels the match must go ahead amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Italy and Israel were drawn in the same qualifying group for the tournament next summer in Canada, Mexico and the United Status.
At present, Norway top the group, with Israel sitting second and Italy third. However, the Norweigans have played four games, Israel have had three and Italy only two.
Estonia and Moldova make up the rest of the group. To secure an automatic qualification place for the World Cup you need to top your group, while second place earns a spot in the play-off round.
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Italy and Israel are yet to face each other in this campaign. And due to the ongoing conflict, Israel's designated home game will instead be held in Debrecen in Hungary on 8 September.
The reverse fixtures will be played on 14 October in Udine, in a match which could prove crucial in deciding who qualifies for the World Cup. Speaking to reporters ahead of next week's game, Gattuso gave his thoughts.
He said: "I am a man of peace, I hope there is peace throughout the world.
"It breaks my heart to see civilians and children losing their lives; but we have Israel in our group, we have to play."
What happened the last time Italy and Israel played each other?
The two countries last faced each other in October 2024, when they were drawn in the same Nations League group. Italy won both matches, firslty winning 2-1 at a neutral venue in Hungary, before winning 4-1 at home.
The first game in Hungary was overshadowed by political tensions. Approximately 50 Italian fans turned their backs while Hatikvah, which is the Italian national anthem, was played.
Italian paper Corriere della Serra also reported that the same Italian fans also chanted against Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis during the first-half.
Salis was freed from house arrest in Budapest in June after he faced charges for allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators.
Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, next week's match in Hungary could again see heightened scenes off the pitch.
For the players however, it is a crucial game for both sides as they chase qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
With Norway to face Moldova on Tuesday night, they are expected to extend their perfect record to five wins from five, increasing the pressure on both Italy and Israel.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Football, Football News, Football World Cup, Gennaro Gattuso, Italy
James Taylor