Egonu and her teammates won Italy’s first ever volleyball gold medal at the Olympics.
The piece is called Italian-ness, in a reference to right-wing League MEP General Roberto Vannacci’s assertion in a bestselling book that her “features do not represent Italian-ness”.
The art by Laika shows Egonu spiking a ball bearing the words: “Stop racism, hate, xenophobia, ignorance”.
The Roman street artist, who says she has been “fighting injustice” with her works since 2019, said her latest piece was against Vannacci and others who share his views.
“This victory is a slap in the face for all the so-called ‘patriots’ who don’t accept a multi-ethnic Italy made up of second generation [immigrants], that doesn’t want citizenship by birth in Italy,” said Laika.
“It’s a ball hit in the face of those who speak of ‘Italian-ness’, referring to [dark] features.
“In our country there is no longer any room for xenophobia, racism, hate and intolerance.
“Racism is a social scourge that must be defeated.
“Doing so through sport too is extremely important.
“I believe in a future of inclusion, welcome and respect for human rights.
“Being represented by athletes like Paola Egonu, Myriam Sylla and Ekaterina Antropova is an honour,” Laika went on, naming the other stars of the volleyball team with an immigrant background.
“Seeing them with the most precious medal of the Olympic Games around their necks, while they sing the Italian anthem with emotion, is an immense joy.
“I dedicate this poster to all the Italians who are not recognised as such by our State.”
Egonu unsuccessfully sued Vannacci for his ‘Italian-ness’ remark, which a judge ruled was “inopportune but not defamatory”.
On Sunday, the controversial general-turned-politician hailed the women’s “huge” victory.
“I have never called into question [Egonu’s] Italian-ness, but I reiterate that her features do not represent the majority of Italians,” he told AGI news agency.
ANSA
