# Italy sports diplomacy initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-sports-diplomacy-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-13T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Italy is expanding its use of sports as a tool for international diplomacy and national promotion. In Madrid, the Italian Ambassador hosted a sports diplomacy event titled ‘De Italia a Madrid: La Pasión Viaja en Fórmula 1’ to highlight Italian excellence in the automotive and motorsport sectors, specifically the Motor Valley. The event, attended by leaders from Ferrari and Formula 1, coincided with the return of the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid.

Building on these efforts, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani appointed new Ambassadors of Sport Diplomacy during the third edition of the Day of Italian Sport in the World. This initiative includes athletes and organizations representing various disciplines, with a 2026 theme focusing on aquatic sports in preparation for the 2027 America’s Cup in Naples. Domestically, these efforts are complemented by local sports festivals and inclusive community events across Italy.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Italy appoints new Sport Diplomacy Ambassadors

Italy is appointing new Sport Diplomacy Ambassadors to promote the nation internationally, while local communities across the country host various sports festivals and inclusive athletic events.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/community-youth-events-held-in-assisi-and-san-mauro-torinese

### 2026-09-11: Italy hosts Formula 1 sports diplomacy event in Madrid

Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi hosted a sports diplomacy event in Madrid to showcase Italy’s automotive excellence and strengthen ties with Spain through Formula 1 and the Motor Valley ecosystem.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-hosts-formula-1-sports-diplomacy-event-in-madrid

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Cite as: Italy sports diplomacy initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-sports-diplomacy-initiatives