Demonstrations against Israeli policies are expected outside the venue. Security checks have been reinforced with helicopters and anti-drone equipment.

Regardless of the perceived strength of Atalanta’s Conference League play-off opponents, there would have been far greater satisfaction in Bergamo had they been drawn against Katowice for a place in the group stage. However, the Polish side were eliminated by Hapoel Tel Aviv in the third qualifying round, meaning Atalanta will face the Israeli team in tonight’s first leg at the New Balance Arena. This fixture brings with it the potential for significant tension and protests, already announced, against the Israeli government.

Protests—  

Outside the stadium, a ‘Boycott Israel’ message appeared, inevitably triggering a security alert and leading to reinforced preventative measures ahead of the match. The act was claimed by the Bergamo Ground Crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who described it as “a gesture of light against the genocide in Gaza”. In addition to the boycott, activists have called on national institutions to cancel the memorandum of understanding between Italy and Israel on military cooperation, and urged UEFA to “suspend Israeli teams from sports competitions”. This is not the only action taken in anticipation of the game. In recent days, the Bergamo branch of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement had demanded the cancellation of the match and sanctions against Israel. Finally, a protest vigil has been announced by the Bergamo Network for Palestine, which includes groups such as Usb, Young Palestinians, Potere al Popolo, Committees in Support of Resistance for Communism, the Arab-Palestinian Democratic Union, and the Unitary Base Confederation. A (perhaps not so) marginal note: Hapoel is historically a club born from the trade union movement and linked to the left, thus light-years away from Benjamin Netanyahu’s positions. Banners depicting Che Guevara and red flags have always been waved in their stands.

Security—  

Around a thousand fans are expected from Tel Aviv. According to information from the Police Headquarters and Prefecture, approximately 350 personnel, including some from other cities, will be deployed for security checks and management. Helicopters and anti-drone equipment are being prepared, and overflights above the stadium will be prohibited. The number of stewards will also be increased; they will monitor not only flares and foreign objects but also any banners and flags deemed provocative, including the Palestinian flag, which, according to UEFA directives, is not permitted inside stadiums.

This article was originally written in Italian by La Gazzetta dello Sport editor. The English version has been generated using AI translation tools. If you notice any translation errors or have suggestions, please contact us at iniziativegazzetta@rcs.it

La Gazzetta dello Sport

© RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA