The Ambassador of Italy to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo, within the framework of sports diplomacy initiatives, spoke in Rijeka at the opening ceremony of an exhibition dedicated to Paolo Rossi and football legends. After the success obtained in several Italian and European cities and before the stop in New York at the United Nations, the initiative lands in Croatia thanks to the cooperation with the University of Rijeka and the valuable support of several important actors (Italian Union, Federation of Associations of Istrian, Fiuman and Dalmatian Exiles, Croatian National Tourist Board, Croatian Football Federation, CONI, FIFA, Consulate General in Rijeka) and several sponsors, present at the highest level, together with Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, President of the Professional Women's Football League.
The exhibition traces the different stages of the Italian and international football legend's career from his beginnings through 500 unique objects, panels, banners, monitors, tables, including his most important trophies on display. It also aims to celebrate Croatian football legends who have marked the country's sporting history, in particular: Davor Šuker, Alen Bokšić, Robert Prosinečki, Zvonimir Boban, Luka Modrić.
The Ambassador read a message from the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, who, on behalf of the Italian Government, thanked the Embassy and the participants and stressed the importance of the initiative. It is part of the intense relations between Italy and Croatia, a strategic partner with whom we are committed to strengthening cooperation in all sectors, including sport and youth policies. The Minister also dwelt on the role of sport, fully represented by the exhibition, as a valuable tool for the development of social inclusion and cohesion and for the enhancement of diversity.
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