Mattarella pays tribute to Italy’s volleyball world champions: “The nation is grateful to you”

AT THE QUIRINALE

08 October 2025

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The Italian men’s and women’s national volleyball teams were received this afternoon at the Quirinale Palace by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, to celebrate their triumphs at the 2025 World Championships. Among those present were the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi; the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Luciano Buonfiglio, together with General Secretary Carlo Mornati; the President of the Italian Volleyball Federation, Giuseppe Manfredi; head coaches Ferdinando De Giorgi and Julio Velasco; and all the world-champion players.

Team captain Anna Danesi and vice-captain Simone Anzani presented the Head of State with the two national team shirts, a signed volleyball, the two gold medals and a tie (photo: Ferdinando Mezzelani/CONI).

“You have been truly extraordinary. The whole country followed you and is grateful,” said President Mattarella, visibly moved. “The finals were thrilling. I wish to thank the two coaches, Velasco and De Giorgi, whose calm advice during the most heated moments was admirable. I applauded Velasco the other day when he criticised my generation—and the next—for always judging young people: I completely agree. A remarkable generation is emerging. One of your greatest rewards is having inspired so many young people to take up sport. That is a valuable contribution to our nation and adds meaning to your victories”.

“In just one hundred days, this is the third time I’ve been here at the Quirinale,” observed Buonfiglio. “The emotion never changes. If it’s not a record, it’s very close to one—and we will keep working to come back again. Volleyball has achieved something extraordinary for Italian sport; it is a model to study. I feel both the duty and the pleasure of saluting our two coaches—their task has not been easy. Thank you, President Mattarella, for your attention and affection. We know how passionately you follow major sporting events; we consider you one of us. We’ll make sure the Italian anthem continues to play in winter, just as it did in summer”.

“Thank you, Mr President, for welcoming us,” said Manfredi. “These two teams have written an indelible page in the history of Italian sport. Their results fill us with pride and are the outcome of collective work. Volleyball is the sport of families, a healthy movement that grows in school gyms and provincial clubs. We have a duty to help it grow further. Success is not measured only in medals, but in what we leave to future generations. Children must have the opportunity to discover the beauty of volleyball—and of sport in general”.

“At a time when divisions are widespread, sport can help foster a democratic culture—one that accepts differing ideas and embraces diversity,” explained Velasco. “Our women’s national team is a model to admire: it brings together players from many different backgrounds—from Nigeria to Ivory Coast, Germany to Russia—and they manage to win together without giving up their individual identities”.

“You, Mr President, are our motivator,” said De Giorgi, addressing Mattarella. “You give us our first push. These players aren’t perfect, but they’re special because they include everyone, leaving no one behind, and they’ve formed a united team. This is a historic day. This victory reflects the immense value of our Italy and the moral strength of our national side”.

In her remarks, Anna Danesi recalled “the figures that tell our story—36 consecutive victories. But numbers don’t say everything,” stressed the Italian captain. “They don’t tell of the injuries, the sacrifices, the farewells, the long waits: that’s where victories are built. We are a group united in our diversity—and that is our greatest achievement”.

“Thank you for choosing to celebrate our victories,” said Simone Anzani to the Head of State. “It’s never easy to repeat success, yet we’ve managed it. This victory is proof of what can be achieved through unity and a spirit of sacrifice”.