Overview

• At the Quirinale, President Sergio Mattarella praised the men’s and women’s squads as “formidable,” thanking them for the emotions shared with the country.
• A smaller delegation later visited Palazzo Chigi, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the teams as Danesi and Anzani presented signed jerseys, medals, and a match ball.
• Several players were absent for club or injury reasons, with captain Simone Giannelli sending a letter noted by Mattarella; other absentees included Myriam Sylla, Alessia Orro, Roberto Russo, and Yuri Romanò.
• Coaches Julio Velasco and Ferdinando De Giorgi highlighted cohesion across diverse backgrounds, with De Giorgi sharing the squad’s mantra of “enjoy, fight, and resist.”
• Fans gathered outside the Quirinale for selfies and autographs, with strong acclaim for Paola Egonu and Simone Anzani, as sports leaders Giuseppe Manfredi, Luciano Buonfiglio, and Andrea Abodi attended the ceremonies.