UDINE, Italy (Reuters) -Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored twice in an energizing 4-1 win at home over Israel in the Nations League on Monday as Luciano Spalletti's side put one foot in the quarter-finals.

The Azzurri look to tighten their grip at the top of Group A2.

Everything you need to know in order to watch Italy vs. Israel in UEFA Nations League soccer action on Monday, Oct. 14

There were snipers on the roof of the stadium and a heavy police presence throughout the city of Udine for Italy’s home match against Israel on Monday

Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored twice in a 4-1 home win over Israel in the Nations League on Monday as Luciano Spalletti's side sealed their spot in the quarter-finals.

The city of Udine is on high alert as Italy prepares to host Israel in a competitive soccer match on Monday. The Nations League match is being played among the backdrop of the ongoing situation in the Middle East which has spread to Lebanon after more than a year-long war in Gaza.

Italy strengthened their position at the top of Nations League Group A2 on Monday by thumping Israel 4-1 in Udine, where ramped up security was put in place for the away side's first match of 2024 outside Hungary.