The Italy-Scotland match of the 'Guinness Six Nations' tournament, held on Saturday 9 March at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, offered an emblematic example of how sport and national service can share common values and inspire society. The event saw a well-established synergy between the Italian Army and the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR)highlighting the potential of bringing different disciplines together in encouraging team spirit, respect and dedication.
At the start of the match, the stadium witnessed a solemn moment: a representation of 44 Army athletes carried the Italian tricolour onto the pitch together with the oval ball, the insignia of the Army, FIR and Scotland, accompanied by the evocative notes of the fanfare of the Bersaglieri of the 'Garibaldi' Brigade. The emotion reached its peak with the performance of the national anthem by the Army Band, creating a visceral bond with the audience and the players of the Italian National Rugby Team, incidentally victorious at the end of the match 31-29 over Scotland.
Outside the sports arena, the fan experience was enriched by numerous activities that allowed direct contact with the reality of the armed forces. Information stands and an exhibition of historical and modern vehicles offered a glimpse into military life, while the Army Aviation flight simulator and the fitness and athletics areas, operated respectively by the paratroopers of the Folgore' Brigade and the Army's Olympic Sports Centre, attracted and engaged the audience, demonstrating how athletic training is crucial in both sport and the military.
The presence of institutional figures, such as the Undersecretary for Defence Senator Isabella Rauti and the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army Parachute General Carmine Masiellostressed the importance of the event in the national panorama, consolidating the link between the armed forces and the world of sport.
The collaboration between the Army and the FIR not only celebrates shared values but also aims, we add and hope, to promote these ideals among the new generations, contributing to the individual and collective growth of society.
Copyright Italian Army