The recent visit of the Italian Minister of External Affairs, Antonio Tajani, to Argentina, marked a blow in bilateral relations between both countries. During his stay, Tajani made an agreement with Daniel Scioli, Argentine sports secretary, which aims to establish collaborations and exchanges of athletes and coaches, as well as fomenting reversals in the sports sector. This recognition represents a new stage in the diplomacy between Italy and Argentina, where deportation has become a channel of cooperation and mutual understanding.
The meeting, entitled «Diplomacia deportiva: un puente de collaboration entre Italia y Argentina», was located in the headquarters of the Italian embajada in Buenos Aires. In this event, in addition to diplomatic officials, various Italian-Argentine athletes participated who shared their experiences and testimonies on how the deporte influenced their lives and the relationship between their nations. The signing of the joint declaration between Tajani and Scioli establishes a path towards closer collaboration, which includes the development of commercial strategies, training spaces and the exchange of sporting talents, so that we could consider a kind of «Erasmus of deporte».
The Italian initiative in the sporting field is not new. In recent months, the Italian Government has included embajadores deportivos and destacadas figures such as the tennis player Jannik Sinner and the football coach Luciano Spalletti. It also highlights the inspiring story of Manuel Bortuzzo, a paralympic swimming champion who, after suffering a serious accident, was able to return to proficiency and obtain medals in the Paris Paralympic Games. These stories not only enrich the sporting landscape, but also highlight the resilience and spirit of overcoming that both countries share.
The journalist Daniel Arcucci, known as the “biographer of Maradona”, transformed the deporte card into a means to promote peace and dialogue between nations. The athletes transform themselves into ambassadors of their cultures, creating bonds that transcend borders. This concept evokes the figure of Diego Maradona, who, through his legacy, established a special bond between Argentina and Italy, especially during his time in Naples.
Furthermore, sports diplomacy is not limited to the promotion of athletes. As Tajani mentioned, «external politics is not carried out only by diplomats and ministers, but also by workers in the context of deportation». The sports industry is a vital part of the Italian PIB, moving beyond the textile sector to tourism and event organisation. Sporting events, such as the Ryder Cup and the Giro d'Italia, not only attract tourists, but also contribute to the cultural and economic promotion of the cities involved.
During the meeting, the Italian-Argentine athletes shared their stories, highlighting the emotional connection they feel with their races. Mercedes Socino, hockey player, recorded her participation in the 2018 Mundial as a highlight of her career, while Diego Domínguez, rugby star, evoked his love and experience in the Italian selection. These stories enrich the theme of sports diplomacy, showing how sport can bring people together and create a feeling of community.
In conclusion, the agreement signed between Tajani and Scioli not only opens the door to new opportunities in the sporting field, but also reiterates the idea that sport is a powerful vehicle for diplomacy and understanding between nations. The collaboration between Italy and Argentina, through deporte, promises to be a fruitful path towards a more united and collaborative future.