Israel’s Coach Sets Sights on Italy After Norway Defeat

Israel’s national football coach, Ran Ben Shimon, has expressed optimism for a fresh start as his team prepares to face Italy on March 25, 2024, following a disappointing defeat against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers. In a press conference held in Udine, Ben Shimon emphasized the importance of this match for Israel’s aspirations to qualify for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico next year.

Currently, Israel sits third in Group I with nine points, trailing Norway, who leads the group with 18 points, and Italy, positioned second with 12 points. A victory against Italy is essential for Israel to maintain their hopes of securing a spot in the tournament, as only the group winners qualify directly, while the runners-up will enter a playoff.

Focus on the Match Against Italy

“Every game is a blank page. We’ll do the best we can and hope the result is what we want,” Ben Shimon stated, underscoring his team’s readiness to compete. As they gear up to face Gennaro Gattuso‘s Italy, he acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We know we’re playing Italy. We have to do our best and play our game.”

In a moment of significant emotional relief, Israel winger Manor Solomon remarked on the recent release of Israeli hostages by the militant group Hamas, stating that the news brought immense joy to the team. “Last night we struggled to sleep. We wanted to wake up to see what was happening,” he shared, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the match.

Security Measures in Place

The match in Udine comes amid heightened security due to a pro-Palestinian march planned for the same day in the city center. Authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure the safety of the Israeli team and maintain public order. This follows a previous qualifier in Oslo, which was marked by protests and a heavy security response, including the use of tear gas.