Italian Police Seize 45 Kg of Fireworks from Israeli Hapoel Fans in Bergamo

Ahead of a UEFA Conference League playoff match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta in Bergamo, Italy, local special police units raided an Airbnb apartment in central Bergamo where two Israeli fans were staying. The raid, conducted just hours before the game on August 20, 2026, resulted in the confiscation of 45 kilograms of smoke grenades, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices. The identities of the two Israeli supporters were confirmed by Italian authorities. The match saw Hapoel fans ignite several flares in the stands during the opening whistle. Heightened security measures were in place in Bergamo due to tensions related to the Middle East, as protests had been organized against Hapoel's visit to the city. The incident was reported by Italian media outlet ecodibergamo and covered by Israeli sports news Sport 5.