Inter welcomed by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella
Club
— 1 hour agoThe Nerazzurri and Lazio were welcomed at the Quirinale ahead of the Coppa Italia final
Ahead of the Coppa Italia final between Inter and Lazio, scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May at 21:00 CEST at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, in line with tradition, the two finalists were welcomed by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
The private meeting took place at the Quirinale Palace with President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta, the Oaktree ownership, the Club’s directors, coach Cristian Chivu and the squad, all in attendance.
The ceremony took place in the Salone delle Feste, the central hall of the presidential palace, where the traditional exchange of gifts was held in the presence of Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, and Serie A League President Ezio Simonelli. President Giuseppe Marotta presented President Mattarella with a personalised Inter shirt.
During the meeting, Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu also gave a special speech:
“Good afternoon, Mr President, and good afternoon to everyone here today. Thank you for inviting us to a place as symbolic as the Quirinale Palace. Mr President, you are not only the highest representative of the Italian Republic, a role you carry out with great dedication and distinction, but also a man who embodies the values of sport. On behalf of my players, the management, the Club, and myself, it is a great honour to be here today to celebrate the final of such an esteemed competition as the Coppa Italia, which will see us face Lazio tomorrow evening at the Stadio Olimpico. The Italian Republic recognises the educational and social value of sport. For us, being here today is also a great responsibility, because as coaches and athletes we have the responsibility to transmit important values and set an example for the many young people who support us with immense passion. Tomorrow evening, both Lazio and ourselves will do everything we can to honour this prestigious competition, giving our very best in the hope of bringing home this esteemed trophy. Thank you very much, ”
Cristian Chivu