Every time I have the pleasure of meeting Andrea Abodi, our Minister of Sport, it feels like being among athletes who speak the same language. No explanations are needed, because anyone who has experienced the grind of training, the tension of a competition, or the joy of a victory knows that behind every result lies sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. It is common ground that unites us and creates an immediate sense of mutual understanding.

Sports are never a minor detail in a person’s life. Sports are about sacrifice, because every step forward comes from giving something up. They are about respect, because without shared rules, there can be no healthy competition. They are about daily commitment, because no result is achieved by chance. These values belong not only to athletes but are the heritage of all those who approach life with the same seriousness with which they face a sporting challenge.

When I think of leadership, I can’t help but think of sports. A leader isn’t someone who gives orders, but someone who leads by example. And that’s exactly what sports teach us. They teach us that strength isn’t just about winning, but about persevering, getting back up after every fall, and inspiring others through our own determination. A marathon, a game, a cycling race teaches us that the most important victory is never against an opponent, but against our own limits. And it is the same dynamic I experience every day as an entrepreneur. There are no shortcuts; there is dedication, perseverance, and the ability to get back up.

I share Minister Abodi’s conviction that sports are an indispensable part of our society. It is not a mere ornament, it is not a luxury, it is not a pastime. It is a true school of life. For young people, it represents a training ground where they learn respect for rules, discipline, and team spirit.

In my personal experience, both in sports and in my professional life, I have learned that the greatest victory is the one we achieve over ourselves. It is the ability to get up a minute before the alarm to train, to get back in the game after a defeat, to accept that every fall is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new opportunity. It is this spirit that I bring with me to the company, where every day we face challenges that require determination, vision, and courage.

A passionate sports enthusiast and runner, Cav. De Rosa has participated in prestigious international marathons, including the TCS New York City Marathon, which he completed in its 52nd and 53rd editions in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and the TCS London Marathon, which he completed in its 45th edition in 2025. These experiences have reinforced his vision: in sports, as in life and in business, true victory is never a medal or a title, but the ability to overcome one’s limits and transform effort into personal and collective growth.