The protest, largely peaceful, erupted into clashes with police as anger over Israel’s brutal actions spilled into the night.
More than 5,000 demonstrators, according to police estimates, marched through the center of Udine ahead of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against the Israeli regime, held at the Friuli Stadium.
The protest began in the late afternoon and continued until the match kicked off at 20:45 (1845 GMT), which Italy won 3–0.
Organized by the Committee for Palestine–Udine, the rally condemned FIFA for allowing what they called an “occupying regime” to participate in world sports.
The organizers urged the football body to ban Israel entirely, declaring that its team symbolizes oppression and apartheid.
Protesters waved an 18-metre Palestinian flag and carried a massive red banner reading “Show Israel the Red Card.”
A striking statue representing justice held scales in one hand and a red card in the other—an emblem of the call for accountability.
“There has been a ceasefire, but not peace,” said demonstrator Valentina Bianchi.
“As I wrote on my placard, there can be no peace without justice.”
Tensions flared at the end of the march when a small group of protesters hurled firecrackers and barriers toward riot police.
Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gas, intensifying the chaos near the stadium.
State broadcaster RAI reported that one of its journalists was struck by a stone and taken to hospital.
Ansa news agency said another journalist and several police officers required treatment for injuries.
Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni condemned the violence but acknowledged the underlying frustration.
“What happened tonight is unacceptable. Our city strongly condemns the violence that took place in the streets at the end of the demonstration,” he said.
Organizers said the protest would proceed regardless of the temporary ceasefire between the Israeli regime and Hamas, which included the exchange of prisoners and captives.
They argued that such agreements do not erase decades of occupation and systematic oppression.
Authorities in Udine imposed tight restrictions ahead of the match, citing fears of unrest.
Only about 9,000 tickets were sold, far below the reduced capacity of 16,000.
Shops closed early and roads were sealed off as police erected concrete barriers to create security zones around the stadium.
Food and drinks in glass, ceramic, or tin containers were banned for the day, and restaurants were ordered to remove outdoor furniture.
“I saw helicopters flying over my head,” said resident Paolo Lizzi.
“I believe such a deployment of forces for a football match should never take place.”