The match between Italy and France in the context of the “Guinness Six Nations” was played today, in the spirit of sharing values and ideals between the Army and the Italian Rugby Federation – FIR.
In the setting of Viale delle Olimpiadi, in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello and his French counterpart, General Pierre Schill, the Italian and French tricolours, followed by the insignia of the Army and the Italian Rugby Federation arrived from above with the paratroopers of the “Folgore” brigade.
The notes of the national anthem, performed by the Army Band, preceded by the entrance onto the field of the fanfare of the bersaglieri and the military athletes who carried the oval of the match onto the field, transported players and spectators into the competitive atmosphere of the match, which also saw the greeting to the rugby public of Sergio Parisse, historic captain of the Italian team with 142 appearances for the national team.
Off the pitch, since the morning and then throughout the third half, the many fans had the opportunity to approach the various stands made available by the Italian Army, including a vehicle exhibition, the Army Aviation flight simulator, a rock gym, a station with instructors from the Military Combat Method and a dedicated gym path military fitness.
The presence of the Armed Forces at the Italy - France match is a further step in the collaboration with the FIR, aimed at actively promoting throughout the country the culture of sport and the values that the world of rugby and the Army share, synonymous with commitment, discipline and respect; aspects that put the new generations to the test, help them to overcome limits, nurture hopes and realize dreams, contributing to individual and collective growth.
