UDINE, Italy — Israel lost hope of qualifying for next year’s soccer World Cup on Tuesday, after defeat to Italy in a game that took place without major incidents amid boos, protests and a heavy police presence that included snipers on the stadium roof.

Italy won 3-0 in a game that had been placed in the highest risk category despite a breakthrough ceasefire deal that has halted two years of war in Gaza.

There were skirmishes between protesters and police on the streets of Udine at a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel demonstration before the match, but no serious disruptions during the game itself. However, stewards had to act quickly to prevent a couple of 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 surveilling the city had filled the air since the 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 an anti-Israel march, which stayed 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........

© The Times of Israel