Udine is preparing for a rather remarkable security precaution ahead of the Italy-Israel 2026 World Cup qualification match, which is planned for Tuesday evening at the Bluenergy Stadium.  The city is already officially in a "red zone" around the stadium, with increased security and special procedures in place to protect residents and fans.  Despite the short truce in the Middle East, the National Observatory for Sporting Events has validated the event's maximum danger category, "very high risk," as level 4.  Concerns have also been raised about the pro-Palestine demonstration scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, which might attract up to 10,000 participants.  As per an order from Prefect Domenico Lione, the march will traverse the historic center and "could present a potential opportunity for infiltration by violent groups, with potential risks to public and private security." 

Udine is preparing for a rather remarkable security precaution ahead of the Italy-Israel 2026 World Cup qualification match, which is planned for Tuesday evening at the Bluenergy Stadium.  The city is already officially in a "red zone" around the stadium, with increased security and special procedures in place to protect residents and fans.  Despite the short truce in the Middle East, the National Observatory for Sporting Events has validated the event's maximum danger category, "very high risk," as level 4.  Concerns have also been raised about the pro-Palestine demonstration scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, which might attract up to 10,000 participants.  As per an order from Prefect Domenico Lione, the march will traverse the historic center and "could present a potential opportunity for infiltration by violent groups, with potential risks to public and private security."

 An unparalleled anti-terrorism security system will be in place within the stadium, which has over 8,000 tickets sold for a capacity of 16,000 (51 of which are for Israeli fans).  Dog units, bomb squads, and drones will patrol the entire complex.  Outside, the sale and consumption of food and beverages in glass, ceramic, or tinned containers will be prohibited for the duration of the day.

 Authorities have already installed barriers and checks at the entrances, and additional safeguards will be added in the coming days, including metal detectors, concrete barriers, and modern equipment for detecting weapons or explosives.  To avoid potential confrontations, law enforcement—police, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza—will deploy in large numbers to monitor the city's most sensitive places, both near the stadium and in the old center.