Newly appointed Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed his anguish over the ongoing war but affirmed preparations are underway for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Israel. “I am a man of peace, and I hope for peace all over the world. It is heartbreaking to see civilians and children lose their lives,” Gattuso stated during his inaugural press conference in Coverciano. “However, we have another job to do. President Gravina is working to find solutions to ensure the match in Udine against Israel can be played perfectly.” Gattuso emphasized the necessity of the fixture, noting, “Israel is in our group; we have to play them. Unfortunately, there is a war going on, and that pains me.”
The scheduling of the match has drawn criticism, with Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni previously telling Il Messaggero Veneto that holding the game now is “inopportune,” citing public order risks.