Sport Diplomacy Ambassador: this is the role that Azzurri Head Coach Luciano Spalletti received this afternoon by the  The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister, Antonio Tajani: "I have come here to appoint Italy's Sport ambassador in the world, not only because he is the Head Coach of our National football team but because I consider him to be a good person with the right values" said the minister in the auditorium at Coverciano moments before the Head Coach held his press conference to kick off this week's camp. "When you ask someone to represent Italy, wearing the suit or knowing how to explain how a player plays in a system isn't enough; they must be the image of a good Italy, a positive one for the country."

Tajani presented the coach with a scrolll to signify the start of the new role: "I have lots to learn," said Spalletti, "and I thank everyone for this position and responsibility; it is responsibility that makes people stronger. I willingly accept this role, knowing that I'll also receive the support of my players.”