Elective National Council: Luciano Buonfiglio elected new CONI President, Bianchedi and Di Paola appointed Vice Presidents

CONI

26 June 2025

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Luciano Buonfiglio has been elected President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) for the 2025–2028 quadrennium. The decision was taken this morning during the 309th Elective National Council held at the Multipurpose Hall of the “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Preparation Centre in Rome.

Mr Buonfiglio, a 74-year-old sports executive from Naples and President of the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation since 2005, received 47 votes in the first ballot, securing an absolute majority among the 81 eligible electors. He is the first Neapolitan and the first Olympian - having competed at the 1976 Montreal Games in the K-4 1000m sprint canoe event - to be appointed President in CONI’s history.

The outgoing President, Giovanni Malagò, was acknowledged for his twelve years of leadership. In his inaugural remarks, President Buonfiglio expressed gratitude and underlined the importance of international representation, calling for unity and commitment within the organisation: “I thank Giovanni for the work he has done over these past twelve years. I also wish to extend my warmest regards to Luca Pancalli for his integrity, and to the IOC members present, who represent an essential added value. Italy must continue to play a central role on the international stage. It is only through active participation that we can truly make an impact. The time has now come to act. I urge everyone to approach the next steps with reason as well as passion”.

The assembly was chaired by CONI Vice President Claudia Giordani, Olympic silver medallist at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games. For the first time in the Committee’s history, a woman presided over an Elective National Council.

Following the conclusion of the Council, the newly elected National Executive Board convened and proceeded to appoint the Vice Presidents:

Acting Deputy President: Diana Bianchedi

Deputy President: Marco Di Paola

Additionally, Mr Carlo Mornati was confirmed in his role as General Secretary of CONI.

The following individuals were elected as members of the National Executive Board:

Representatives of FSN-DSA:

Laura Lunetta (Dance Sport and Musical Sports) – 37 votes

Diana Bianchedi – 36 votes

Marco Di Paola (Equestrian Sports) – 33 votes

Francesco Ettorre (Sailing) – 32 votes

Francesco Montini – 31 votes

Tania Cagnotto – 28 votes