Gravina warning Italy boycott of World Cup qualifier ‘would only favour Israel’ | OneFootball

As Italy deals with a general strike in protest at the situation in Gaza, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina warns boycotting the World Cup qualifier ‘would only favour Israel.’

The global condemnation against the on-going blockade in Gaza is growing, with a UN Human Rights Council report accusing Israel of committing genocide.

There is pressure on UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel from global competition, following the actions taken against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Italy’s trade unions have staged a general strike today in protest at the situation, blocking public transport, universities and roads.

It all creates a difficult situation for Italian football to deal with, as they are set to host Israel in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Udine on October 14.

Italy urged to boycott Israel match

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“It would be a terrible mistake to think we could boycott the game against Israel,” Federation President Gravina told reporters at the Premio Prisco event.

“We would be awarded a defeat, meaning we’d miss out on the World Cup, and the result would only favour Israel, who could in theory be boosted in their qualifying path to the tournament.”

Italy are currently joint second in Group I along with Israel, behind leaders Norway, while Estonia and Moldova complete the group.

Italy fans turn their backs on Israel anthem (@calciomercatoit)

“There is a political responsibility, which is certainly not to be laid at the feet of the world of sport. Football is doing something, we activated a project within the UEFA foundation to help children in need.

“I denounce the scenes of great suffering that we unfortunately see every day, but the responsibility must not be on the Federation, but those higher up than us who will soon have to give answers.

“I feel indignant as a man at all we are seeing, there is nobody who could be indifferent to this feeling of suffering and pain.”

The Azzurri already played against Israel on neutral turf in Hungary on September 8, emerging with a 5-4 victory.