The Minister of External Relations of Italy, Antonio Tajanireunited with Daniele ScioliSecretario de Deportes de Argentina, to establish collaborations in the sports environment during his visit to Buenos Aires on 7 and 8 October. Tajani stated that “Italy wants to recover its presence in Latin America”, using various avenues such as institutional diplomacy, businesses and deportation.
The event, held in the Italian embajada, reunited deceased figures such as the ambassador Fabrizio Lucentini and various Italian-Argentine deportistas, who shared their experiences. The citation culminated in the signing of a joint declaration that established a brand of collaboration in the sports sector, including exchanges of players and coaches, similar to an “Erasmus del deporte”.
The importance of sport in diplomacy
The collaborative initiative is based on the positive impact that deporte has on the image of both countries. The presence of embajadores deportivos, like the tennis player Jannik Sinner and the football coach Luciano SpallettiItaly's compromise is highlighted by the strength of the lazos across the deportee. The Paralympic champion Manuele Bortuzzo was also mentioned by his inspiring story of overcoming.
The periodical Daniele Arcuccirecognized by his biography de Maradonathrilled that the deporte acts as a bridge between nations, promoting peace and dialogue. The figure of Maradona, who established a special connection between Italy and Argentina during his time in Naples, represents a symbol of this «new diplomacy».
Sporting events and economic development
Tajani underlined that external policy is not only the responsibility of diplomats and ministers, but also of those who work in the sports sector, contributing to a positive image of Italy. El deporte represents an important part of the Italian PIB, involving sectors such as clothing, audiovisual agencies and tourism.
The minister moved away as sporting events, such as the Ryder Cup 2023 de golf and el Tour of Italyit attracts tourists who, in addition to witnessing skills, explore the locations they visit.
Testimonios from Italian-Argentine deportistas
During the meeting, the Italian-Argentine deportistas shared their lives. Mercedes Socinoof the national hockey selection, expressed his pride in having participated in the 2018 World Cup. Diego Domínguezrugby star, had his connection with Italy, where he was called up to the selection shortly after leaving to study.
Nicola Burdissofootballer and current director of Fiorentina, he spoke about his experience in Italy and how the culture of football was intertwined with the identity of the cities. For your part, Daniele Bertonithe first Italian-Argentine player in an Italian team, he remembered his goal against Fiorentina and the influence of his cultural heritage.
The collaboration between Italy and Argentina through deporte not only strengthened cultural jokes, but also promoted significant economic and social development. Sports diplomacy presents itself as an effective strategy for building points between nations, enriching relationships and promoting valuable cultural exchange.
