Snipers on stadium roof amid heavy security for Italy’s win over Israel in World Cup qualifying

UDINE, Italy: The World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel took place amid a heavy police presence that included snipers on the stadium roof.
Italy won 3-0 Tuesday in a game that soccer and security authorities had placed in the highest risk category despite a breakthrough ceasefire deal that has paused two years of war in Gaza.
There were skirmishes between protesters and police nearby on the streets of Udine at a pro-Palestinian demonstration before the match, but no serious disruptions at the venue during the game. Although, stadium staff had to act quickly to prevent some fans from running onto the field carrying Palestinian flags.
“Today wasn’t easy for us,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said.

“I want to thank the police who have done an incredible job in these days.”
The Israel team bus was escorted to the stadium by 13 police vehicles, including some from the special forces, and several motorbikes.
The sound of helicopters over the city had filled the air from early morning, with drones spotted in the sky and snipers also seen on the roof of the Israel team’s hotel.
In the city center, around 10,000 people attended a pro-Palestinian march which was incident free for nearly three hours before arriving at its final stop. Then about 50 people — with their faces covered — started clashing with police, who used water cannons and tear gas to try and disperse them.
The group was apparently trying to get past the police cordons to head toward the stadium, which is on the outskirts of the city.