Italy-Sweden: European volleyball in Naples in the rain, Mattarella and ministers in the stands

The rain does not ruin the party and the great beauty of Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples which shines even under the water on the day of Italy's debut with Sweden at the European men's volleyball championships. The opening match of the continental event is played in a stunning location, nestled between the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola.

Two stands at the sides of the pitch, 16 meters high, plus a third reserved for the authorities and positioned at the end of the pitch and in front of the equestrian statues of Charles III of Bourbon and Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. It is there that the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, goes to sit, accompanied by his daughter Laura and welcomed by a few drops of water, but also by a long applause from the public which the Italian Head of State reciprocates by greeting the crowd with affectionate waves of his hands. Also in the official stands were the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, and the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi. Also present, among others, were the president of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglio, the president of the Serie A Volleyball League, Claudio Durigon, and the number one of Fipav, Giuseppe Manfredi. For the municipality and Region of Campania, the mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, and the governor Roberto Fico. "There is a glance that is moving, truly beautiful. An extraordinary participation from the city", comments the Neapolitan mayor. "An overwhelming emotion, I believe that only in Italy, and Naples is one of the outposts, can an atmosphere like this be created", adds Minister Abodi.

And the atmosphere does not change despite the unexpected events. There wasn't even time to let loose to the rhythm of "Who Said" by Planet Funk before the race, even before it started, had to be postponed by 20 minutes due to rain. The same thing will happen for almost half an hour at the end of the first set, which was interrupted because the weather conditions did not allow playing. In the meantime, however, the enthusiasm does not stop: lights, smiles, emotions and lots of music, even with a tribute to the unforgettable Pino Daniele. In Piazza del Plebiscito no one leaves their seat to resume enjoying the show when the rain finally stops. Even before Italy's success, Naples beat adversity.