Following the statements made by Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and the controversy they sparked in the press this afternoon, I am resigning as head of the National Team delegation. I have taken this decision out of the great respect I have for CONI, its Executive Board, FIGC and the sporting institutions, as demonstrated throughout my career as an athlete and sporting executive. I have always acted with integrity and professionalism, in accordance with the rules and with respect for people, for the good of sport: values that are now being unfairly called into question. I have also chosen to step aside because of what the Azzurri shirt represents, first and foremost to protect the team from unnecessary controversy. I found a united, motivated team made up of great professionals, from the head coach to the players and the entire staff. I thank them for the way they welcomed me and for the emotions they gave me, even in just a few days. Let us remember that this is what sport is, and what it must always be, above all else. Let us get behind these lads, they deserve it.

Diana Bianchedi