Italian Sports Leaders Abodi and Mezzaroma join Vespucci‑America’s Cup event in New York

Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi and President of Sport and Health Marco Mezzaroma attended the “Vespucci & America’s Cup” ceremony in New York, where the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci hosted the historic America’s Cup trophy. The trophy will be contested in Naples in 2027, and the officials highlighted the event as a showcase of maritime heritage, technological innovation and a platform for sustainable urban regeneration, especially in Naples’ Bagnoli district.

During their stay the delegation visited the National September 11 Memorial, the National Immigration Museum and met community leaders, including the Italian‑American Foundation. A parallel mission from the city of Genoa, led by Mayor Silvia Salis and tourism assessor Tiziana Beghin, also participated, emphasizing historic ties between Genoa and the United States and promoting future cooperation. The visit included a reception on board the Vespucci with Minister Abodi and Ambassador Marco Peronaci, and a presentation to Italian‑American associations.

Among the crew was 20‑year‑old officer Lorenzo Franzosi from Brescia, whose presence was highlighted by regional officials as a source of local pride. The event underscored Italy’s use of sport and maritime symbols to foster international dialogue and future investment in the Naples waterfront.