Mr. President, on behalf of the whole AC Milan, which I am honored to represent in this evocative seat, I wish thank you for your prestigious invitation.


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I would like to tell you and to all the people here, including tomorrow night’s opponents which I greet with great and unchanged fondness, what happened to me during last weekend: I had the privilege to meet Ermanno, a young 20-year-old boy with Down syndrome, who, with his sweetness and moving spontaneity, gave me the opportunity to watch a football match from another perspective: in my presence, Ermanno, at the end of the match, NEVER said the word MATCH. By his own admission and joy, AC Milan v Verona was only and exclusively a MERRYMAKING for him.
A feast he enjoyed with a unique enthusiasm and a smile that involved everyone, first of all my family. Ermanno taught me that a highly competitive challenge can turn into a show consistent with the values that actually embody our sport. AC Milan and Juventus, tomorrow night must celebrate precisely the superb feast of Italian football, beyond the obvious importance of the match for both teams.
‘m here to tell Ermanno and to you all that AC Milan will play their part. And I can tell you firsthand that I’m sure Juventus will do it too!
LET’S HAVE FUN AND LET’S GIVE PEOPLE SOME FUN! Too often we lose sight of the real purpose of our sport