Luna Rossa has been named an Ambassador of Sports Diplomacy, joining other Italian sporting champions honoured at the third edition of Italian Sports Day in the World, held yesterday at the Farnesina Palace in Rome.
This year's theme, "Italy: Land of Enterprise, Sea of Excellence," turned the spotlight on the sea, water sports and related industries, with the 2027 America's Cup in Naples firmly in view.
The ceremony drew a heavyweight guest list. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani attended, alongside Italian Sailing Federation President Francesco Ettorre, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, and Sport e Salute CEO Diego Nepi Molineris.
Luna Rossa was represented by team CEO Max Sirena and sailors Alice Linussi and Ruggero Tita.
"On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank everyone for this recognition, which is a great honour for us," said Max Sirena. "Sport is founded on values that we have always shared: inclusivity, team spirit, merit and respect. Being Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy means committing ourselves to promoting these principles, a role that we are pleased to accept and that we will carry forward responsibly throughout our America's Cup campaign in Naples in 2027."
Minister Tajani explained the thinking behind the appointment.
"Sports diplomacy has now become an integral part of Italian foreign policy. Over the past three years, we have built a structured, concrete and operational system," he said. "Since 2024, we have provided sport with a dedicated coordination framework. Today, thanks to our network of 313 offices abroad, athletes, major events, federations and businesses are all powerful tools for promoting Italy. We have brought together Italy's sporting and business excellence, creating a platform in which sport is consistently combined with the economy, culture, language, peace, talent attraction and the internationalisation of businesses."
The event also saw the unveiling of "Eolia," one of the new promotional projects designed to showcase excellence linked to the sea and sailing. It offers an immersive experience aboard a range of boats, Luna Rossa included, tying the honour directly to the campaign now building towards Naples.
