Milano Cortina 2026: expanded governance, Buonfiglio joins the Board of Directors
- SPORTS DECREE
With just six months to go until the next Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) warmly welcomes the approval of the Decreto Sport (Sports Decree) by Parliament. The Law Decree 96/2025 includes — among other provisions — a key article that makes a significant contribution to strengthening the operational governance of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
Specifically, the number of members on the Foundation’s Board of Directors has been expanded to a maximum of 18, with up to 9 members appointed by the sporting sector. This development enables CONI, at its next National Executive Board meeting scheduled for 9 September, to appoint — in accordance with Article 35 of the Olympic Charter — the CONI President, Luciano Buonfiglio, as an ex officio member of the Board.
"I would like to thank Minister Abodi for skilfully resolving what had become a rather tangled situation," said President Buonfiglio. "It could have caused serious functional issues in these final months leading up to the Games. Thanks to this decree, the Milano Cortina Organising Committee will now benefit from a streamlined appointment process for the sporting representatives, which we will ratify at the next Executive Board meeting. I look forward to joining my colleagues and continuing this extraordinary journey towards the Games together".
Italy sets new record: 50 podium finishes and top spot in the medal table. See you in Lignano Sabbiadoro in two years
- EYOF SKOPJE 2025
A record-breaking 50 podium finishes and a third consecutive triumph in the overall medal table—after successes in Banská Bystrica 2022 and Maribor 2023—marked the conclusion of Italy Team’s outstanding campaign at the 18th Summer Edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje. The final medal tally stands at 19 golds, 19 silvers and 12 bronzes. For the first time, North Macedonia played host to the EYOF, passing the baton to Lignano Sabbiadoro, which will stage the next edition from 24 July to 1 August 2027—22 years after hosting the 2005 Games.
The athletics programme wrapped up with three more podiums for the Azzurri. In the morning session, the women’s sprint medley relay—comprising Alessia Succo, Margherita Castellani, Laura Frattaroli and Kelly Ann Maevane Doualla Edimo (with Isabella Pastore having featured in the semi-final)—secured gold in 2:04.57, ahead of Switzerland and Poland. Caterina Caligiana claimed bronze in the women’s 800 metres, clocking 2:05.07 behind Switzerland’s Von Fluee (2:03.18) and Germany’s Weimann (2:04.36). In the afternoon, Matteo Sorci capped off the decathlon in triumphant style: the young Umbrian took gold with 7,605 points, with France’s Trochain and Switzerland’s Bruegger completing the podium.
Artistic gymnastics also brought home three medals from the final day of competition. Italy celebrated a one-two finish in the horizontal bar (photo: Ferraro/FGI), with Pietro Mazzola striking gold (13.200, dedicating the win to Lorenzo Bonicelli) and Ivan Rigon taking silver (13.000). The 17-year-old from Padua also earned a second silver in the parallel bars with a score of 13.233—sharing the podium with Switzerland’s Schumacher, while gold went to Britain’s Chowdhury.
Volleyball rounded off Italy’s medal count with two more podium finishes. The girls narrowly missed gold, falling 3-1 in the final to Turkey despite a strong start (15-25, 25-19, 25-17, 26-24). The boys secured bronze after a thrilling 3-2 win over Slovenia (25-19, 22-25, 27-29, 25-22, 15-9), with Gioele Costa leading the way with 25 points.
This evening’s closing ceremony—broadcast live at 8:30 p.m. on ItaliaTeamTV—will feature final addresses from EYOF 2025 Organising Committee President Daniel Dimevski, European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos, and Laura Giorgi, Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, which will host the 2027 Festival.
Italy’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony will be rising sprint star Kelly Doualla, the new U18 European record holder and third fastest Italian woman ever over 100 metres, and swimmer Francesco Cecconi, who concluded the Festival with four gold medals and one silver.
IOC President Coventry writes to Buonfiglio: “Congratulations on your election. I would be honoured to meet you in Lausanne”
- CONI-IOC
IOC President Kirsty Coventry has congratulated Luciano Buonfiglio on his election as President of CONI. In a letter addressed to Buonfiglio, the head of the global Olympic movement extended her “sincerest congratulations” and “best wishes for a successful term”.
“The IOC looks forward to continuing its fruitful collaboration with your National Olympic Committee,” wrote President Coventry. “We stand ready to support you and your team in promoting the work of your NOC and supporting your athletes, particularly in the lead-up to and during the upcoming Olympic Games”.
Coventry reaffirmed the vital role of National Olympic Committees, noting that they “play a fundamental role both within their countries and in the Olympic Movement as a whole”. She added: “We count on your personal commitment to uphold the Olympic Charter and to promote Olympic values”.
The IOC President, who succeeded Thomas Bach in March and officially took office on 24 June, also thanked Buonfiglio for his message of congratulations. “Your kind words of encouragement and warm wishes mean a great deal to me as I take on this important respons.ibility,” she wrote, “and they remind me of the incredible community that makes the Olympic Movement so special”.
The letter concluded with the hope of meeting in person and an official invitation to Lausanne: “I would be honoured to welcome you to Olympic House this September,” President Coventry wrote.
President Mattarella praises the women’s national football team: “You’ve honoured the shirt and the country”
- AT THE QUIRINALE
President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella welcomed the Italian women’s national football team to the Quirinale following their impressive run to the semi-finals of the ongoing European Championship in Switzerland. The ceremony, held in the Hall of Mirrors, gathered the players – who returned to Italy on Wednesday after their extra-time defeat to England – alongside FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, head coach Andrea Soncin and the entire national team staff. Also in attendance was Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi (photo by Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
“Congratulations on how magnificently you played at this European Championship,” said President Mattarella. “And I don’t say that because someone told me to – I watched every match I could, given the timings. It’s been a remarkable journey. I had arranged to come to Basel to support you, but sometimes a sequence of unfortunate events prevents us from reaching the final. Still, you’ve earned your own trophy and written a beautiful chapter in Italian sport with high-level performances. I asked you to make this stop in your schedule so that I could thank you. You’ve done your country proud – wearing the shirt with honour. Sport is not just essential, it’s pioneering: athletes who rise to the top inspire boys, girls, and children through their example”.
“You’ve played a high-quality tournament and sent a message to Italian society,” the Head of State continued. “Women’s football must be supported and encouraged. Compared to six years ago, great progress has been made.” Mattarella also cited Article 3 of the Constitution, which enshrines equality and equal opportunities: “Throughout history, everything has always been harder for women – a situation that, fortunately, is improving. But much remains to be done. Sport sets an example: it strengthens and improves social relations. You’ve made an important contribution towards building a fairer and more aware nation”.
“One month on from my election, I never imagined I’d be here today – I’m honoured,” said CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio. “The women’s movement has sent a strong message to all of Italian sport. Over four million citizens followed the team’s journey: we are taking our ambition to be protagonists around the world, but we must never rest – we must keep working. There must always be a next goal – and now it’s qualifying for the World Cup and the Olympic Games. My compliments to Coach Soncin, who has built a great team”.
“President Mattarella is a true reference point for our entire movement,” noted FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “These players represent sporting excellence and carry the pride of the Azzurre jersey. They embody the spirit of an Italy that never gives up. Their smiles and tears have touched the hearts of Italians everywhere. The national team is a role model, capable of inspiring future generations thanks to its strong identity and the guidance of a sensitive coach like Andrea Soncin”.
“There’s a lot of emotion and great pride,” said Italy head coach Andrea Soncin. “Although we came just short of reaching the final, that disappointment is giving way to the pride of having inspired millions of Italians. Throughout this tournament, we’ve carried out something of a cultural campaign – offering new perspectives to young girls who dream of playing football. We thank all of Italy for supporting us right to the end”.
During the ceremony, the players presented the Head of State with a jersey signed by the entire squad and inscribed “To our President,” as well as a piece created by a goldsmith artist from Abruzzo.
“We’re leaving with the awareness that we are worthy and can keep dreaming big,” said team captain Cristiana Girelli, addressing President Mattarella. “We wear more than just a shirt – we carry the hopes of all the girls who dream of making it. We are a group that has always fought and always risen again with pride. Sport isn’t just a game – it’s culture, education, and the future”.
La Nazionale femminile di calcio ricevuta al Quirinale
National Athletes’ Commission: Valentina Marchei appointed President, Federico Pellegrino and Vittorio Andrea Vaccaro named Vice Presidents
- CONI
The newly elected Board of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission held its first meeting today, both in person at the Sala Giunta and via remote connection, following the recent elections that designated the Commission’s representatives for the upcoming four-year term.
The session was opened with a greeting from CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and a contribution from General Secretary Carlo Mornati, who joined remotely from Skopje, North Macedonia, where he is also attending the European Youth Olympic Festival in his role as General Secretary f the European Olympic Committees.
The first item on the agenda was the appointment of the Commission’s leadership: Valentina Marchei was named President, while Federico Pellegrino and Vittorio Andrea Vaccaro were appointed Vice Presidents.
President Luciano Buonfiglio meets with Carabinieri Commander General Salvatore Luongo
- CONI
This morning, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio was received by the Commander General of the Carabinieri, Salvatore Luongo, at the General Command headquarters in Rome. The “productive meeting” was also attended by Chief of Staff Andrea Taurelli Salimbeni.
During the discussions, the shared values that unite the Carabinieri and the world of sport were reaffirmed, along with a common commitment in the lead-up to upcoming Olympic events – the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics – where Carabinieri athletes will feature prominently as part of the Italia Team.
President Buonfiglio at the swearing-in of young diplomats: “We represent excellence. Our country must always take the lead”
- CONI
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio took part this afternoon in the swearing-in ceremony of the 46 young officials who passed the 2023 competitive exam for entry-level diplomatic secretaries. The event was held at Villa Madama and attended by representatives from academia, industry, sport, and various branches of the public administration – a ceremony which Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described as “an occasion open to Italy and the world”.
“Nothing should ever be overlooked. Attention to detail is essential,” Buonfiglio told the newly appointed diplomats. “You must always be aware that at any moment you might be called to take centre stage – because no one remembers those who merely play a supporting role.” He went on to recall receiving an award from then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in the very same room where the ceremony was held. “Our country must always be at the forefront – because we know we represent excellence,” he added.
Just last week, Buonfiglio met with Minister Tajani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin work on a new project involving CONI, aimed at promoting Italy and Italian sport abroad
Italia Team arrives in Skopje: Alessandra Mao and Gabriele Rosato to carry the flag at the Opening Ceremony
- EYOF SKOPJE 2025
The Italian delegation arrived early this afternoon in Skopje, North Macedonia, where the 18th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival – the continent’s premier multi-sport event for athletes under 18 – is set to officially begin tomorrow.
Swimmer Alessandra Mao and taekwondo athlete Gabriele Rosato will lead the Azzurri at the Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at the ‘Jane Sandanski’ Sports Centre and broadcast live on Italia Team TV.
Just 14 years old, Mao claimed the Italian senior national title in the 200m freestyle last April, setting a new national record in the girls' category with a time of 1:58.86. Born in 2009, Rosato has already achieved multiple podium finishes on the international stage, including the cadet world title he won at the 2023 World Championships in Sarajevo.
The summer edition of EYOF Skopje 2025 will welcome over 2,500 athletes from 49 European National Olympic Committees. Competitions will be held in three cities: in addition to the Macedonian capital, cycling and basketball events will take place in Kumanovo, while Osijek, Croatia, will host artistic gymnastics.
Italia Team will compete in 12 of the 15 disciplines on the programme, fielding a squad of 116 athletes (60 boys and 56 girls).
The Opening Ceremony will be streamed live from 8:30 p.m. on ItaliaTeamTV, CONI’s OTT platform, which will offer extensive coverage of the entire event across four dedicated channels.
President Buonfiglio addresses the Italian Basketball Federation Council: "Congratulations on the national team’s bronze. A thought for Polonara"
- AT SALONE D'ONORE
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and General Secretary Carlo Mornati took part in the Federal Council of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), chaired by President Giovanni Petrucci and hosted at the Salone d'Onore of CONI in Rome.
“Nothing happens by chance,” said Italy’s top sports official. “Just a few days ago, you achieved a fantastic result with the women’s team and a phenomenal coach. What I would really like is to come in person to cheer for Italy on 14 September in the final of the men’s EuroBasket. I’m very superstitious, but I’m simply expressing a wish. Among all the challenges ahead, there is one that is especially important – that of Achille Polonara,” he added, referring to the player recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Buonfiglio went on to speak about Giovanni Petrucci, to whom he had already extended his congratulations by phone after the women’s team secured their European bronze medal: “I owe a great deal to President Petrucci – he has always been someone I’ve tried to learn from, especially his decisiveness and leadership.”
“We will strive to be worthy of the task and of those we represent – this is my commitment,” added the CONI President, who was elected on 26 June. “It will be a pleasure to take part in your initiatives. I’m proud of all Italian sport. Only we leaders who come from the Federations truly understand the effort made by our clubs. They are the backbone of our system.”
He concluded with some significant announcements: “Last night, together with General Secretary Mornati, we met with Minister Abodi, along with Sport e Salute and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), and we jointly decided that from 2026, the Youth Games for all will begin. I believe we’ve taken a first step. This morning, I met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani: a new initiative will be launched to involve CONI in all activities that promote Italian sport abroad. We are working to ensure that CONI and the Federations take centre stage in every sector.”
FIP President Giovanni Petrucci also shared his thoughts: “There’s a great atmosphere – Buonfiglio and Mornati make an extraordinary team. This is exactly what I had hoped for and wanted. He received broad support and has made an excellent start, showing both substance and humility – not an easy feat. He will do a fine job.”
During the Council meeting, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio also presented the Golden Star for Sporting Merit to Gigi Datome, the Silver Star to Davide Paolini, and the Bronze Star to Roberto Ciardo.
President Buonfiglio meets Foreign Minister Tajani
- AT THE FARNESINA
Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), was received today at the Farnesina by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani (photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
During the meeting, the two officials discussed a range of topics, including the strategic role of sport in international diplomacy and its value in promoting Italy’s image abroad.
Page 18 of 144