The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute are pleased to invite you to a special celebration of sport, highlighting the enduring ties between Italy and South Africa. The event will feature Massimo Calandri, the distinguished Italian journalist renowned for his coverage of global sporting events, visiting South Africa specifically for this occasion. He will speak on the prominent role of South African footballers in Serie A and explore the deep-rooted football connection between the two nations.
Sport has always been more than competition—it serves as a bridge between cultures, a force for community, and a universal language of unity. This initiative will bring together athletes, journalists, sporting icons, and communities from both countries to celebrate a shared passion for sport and its broader cultural and social significance.
Day 1 – Saturday, 4 October 2025
Italian Club, Pretoria – from 11:00 AM
Theme: Legacy between South Africa and Italy through Football
The day will open with a community celebration, featuring friendly amateur football matches and lively bocce tournament organized by the Italian community of Pretoria
Following the morning activities, the central talks will include:
- Welcoming remarks by the Embassy of Italy and representatives from the South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture
- Massimo Calandri (La Repubblica) – offering a special talk on the role of South African footballers in Serie A and the historic Italy–South Africa football connection
- Maurizio Mariano (co-organiser of the Soncini Games) on sport and youth as tools for cultural exchange, highlighting the special bond between South Africa and Reggio Emilia
- Stefano Vigoriti, Italian–South African journalist and former Serie A commentator for DStv
- Giulio Giuricich, Italian–South African footballer, sharing his personal journey
- AC Milan Academy, presenting their initiatives in South Africa
Day 2 – Sunday, 5 October 2025
Italian Club, Johannesburg – from 11:00 AM
Theme: Sporting Activities with Italian–South African Influence
The second day will continue the celebration with sporting activities and contributions from prominent Italian–South African sports personalities.
Highlights of the central talks include:
- Welcoming remarks by Consul General of Italy in Johannesburg, Livio Spadavecchia
- Massimo Calandri (La Repubblica) – reflecting on his career documenting some of the world’s greatest sporting icons, sharing insights into the intersection of sport, culture, and international collaboration
- Aldo Molezzi – on the founding of Golf Azzurri and its enduring legacy
- Phillip Geerts, professional golfer, sharing his personal journey in the sport
Across both days, the presence of Massimo Calandri offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand insights from one of Italy’s most respected sports journalists, providing historical perspective and contemporary reflections on football and its role as a bridge between cultures.
Join Us!
Dates: 4–5 October 2025
Venues: Italian Clubs of Pretoria & Johannesburg
This event is open to media representatives, sporting enthusiasts, and members of the Italian and South African communities. Come and experience a celebration of sport as a universal language of unity, dialogue, and cultural exchange.