Israel’s World Cup qualifying match against Italy is set to take place amid heightened security despite a recent ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel’s World Cup qualifying match at Italy next week is expected to attract more pro-Palestinian protesters outside the stadium in Udine than ticket-holding spectators inside the soccer arena.

The coach of Israel’s national soccer team says he is “standing behind my country” amid calls for the squad to be suspended from international competition because of the war in Gaza.