“You have the affection of the whole of Italy,” Mattarella told the Italian Olympians.
“It is honest affection that you must not take as pressure.
“A little while ago we sang the anthem.
“It would be better to hear it many times [during the medal ceremonies], thanks to you.
“The medals that come will be welcome, but the sense of support that you have is more important.”
Mattarella travelled to Paris on the presidential plane with reigning Olympic men’s high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi, who will be the Italian flag-bearer at Friday’s opening ceremony.
While at the village, Mattarella signed the Olympic ‘Truce Wall’.
On Friday Mattarella will inaugurate Italy’s Casa Italia base in Paris before attending the Games’ opening ceremony.
ANSA
