Italy's Cristante hopes Israel-Hamas agreement stops fan boycott

Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante is hopeful that the announcement of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Thursday will lead to a full stadium for his side's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel.

Italy host Israel in Udine on Tuesday, and the expectation has been to see more people outside the ground than inside the Stadio Friuli, with large groups of pro-Palestinian protesters set to gather in the city.

As of Wednesday, according to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), 4 000 tickets have been sold for a stadium with a capacity of over 25 000.

Israel and Hamas signed an agreement to cease fire and free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the first phase of US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza.

"We're all extremely happy about this news which came out this morning," Cristante told reporters.

"It was what we all wanted and we hope that in Udine the stadium will be full because we need our supporters to give us that extra push, that extra gear which comes from having a packed stadium cheering for us, as they always have."

More than 67 000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas-led militants stormed through Israeli towns and a music festival on October 7, 2023, killing 1 200 people and capturing 251 hostages.

Italy also played Israel in Udine last October, with an attendance of 11 700 for the Nations League fixture, where protests, boycotts and large security measures kept many fans away.

One year on, and with Italy witnessing general strikes and large pro-Palestinian protest marches across the peninsula, with demonstrators clashing with police in Milan and Rome, tensions around the game are even higher.

Italy defeated Israel 5-4 when the sides met in the neutral venue of Debrecen, Hungary, in September, where the few Italian fans present turned their backs to the pitch during the Israeli national anthem.

Before they arrive in Italy, Israel play Norway in Oslo on Saturday, with Italy away to Estonia the same day. Norway top Group 1 with 15 points from five games, Italy are second on nine points after four matches, level with Israel, who have played a game more.

The group winners will qualify automatically for next year's World Cup, with the runners-up advancing to the playoffs.