On Friday, October 10th, at 7:00 PM, the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York opened its doors to the Military Office of the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations for an event rich in symbolism and cultural significance: the Concert for Peace, performed by the Federiciana Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Benedetto Grillo.

The initiative marked an important moment in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Italy’s admission to the United Nations, offering a reflection on the country’s enduring contribution to peace and international cooperation.

The concert was organized by the Office of the Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, in the presence of General Alfonso Manzo, General of the Carabinieri, Defense Attaché and Military Adviser to the Mission.

Inside the Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral — made available thanks to the generous support of Father Luigi Portarulo, parish priest and reference figure for the Italian community in New York — music became a bridge of dialogue and solidarity. The Federiciana Symphony Orchestra, arriving from Bisceglie in southern Italy’s Puglia region, presented a program that intertwined historical memory and hope for the future, in a time when the pursuit of peace feels particularly urgent.

Renowned for bringing together young talents and established musicians, and for its commitment to cultural projects promoting diplomacy and inclusion, the orchestra — under Maestro Grillo’s direction — offered the audience a performance that was both artistic and civic in spirit.

The program ranged from Pablo Casals’ To the United Nations to Ennio Morricone’s Once Upon a Time in America, including timeless pieces such as Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri, Bellini’s Norma, Verdi’s La Vergine degli Angeli, and Toselli’s Serenata Sentimentale. There were also moments of deep spirituality with Monsignor Marco Frisina’s Pacem in Terris, and nods to Italian popular tradition with Mamma by Bixio Cherubini. The evening closed with the moving What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss — a symbolic hymn to hope and universal brotherhood.

“In a time marked by conflicts and divisions, music reminds us that harmony is not only an aesthetic condition but an ethical and civil choice. This concert is both a tribute to peace and a renewed commitment by Italy to dialogue and international solidarity,” said General Alfonso Manzo.

Through the Concert for Peace, Italy reaffirmed its role in international cultural diplomacy, showing how art and politics can work together to promote harmony and cooperation. The evening brought together representatives from numerous UN member states, a reminder that culture remains one of the most powerful and universal languages to unite peoples and perspectives across the world.

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Representing an entire basketball movement in the NBA isn’t an easy task, but Simone Fontecchio embraces it with the maturity of someone who understands the significance of his role — especially for young fans who see him as a role model.
The former Detroit Pistons forward, who joined the Miami Heat this summer, is the only Italian currently playing in the world’s most prestigious basketball league. Both on and off the court, he has become a point of reference for Italian basketball.

In this conversation, Fontecchio speaks openly about his journey — from the pride and responsibility of being an ambassador for Italian basketball to his growth through international experiences, from dealing with stereotypes about European players in the NBA to his love for Italy and the national team.
It’s a journey through past, present, and future, from impossible dreams that became reality to the challenges that lie ahead.

Detroit’s Consul General, Allegra Baistrocchi, called you an inspiration for young people. As the only Italian currently in the NBA, do you see that more as a source of pride or as a responsibility?

I’ve thought a lot about it this past year, and honestly, it’s a bit of both. I’m incredibly proud to represent Italy on such an important stage like the NBA.
I think it’s a truly unique league, not just in sports but globally, in terms of importance and visibility.
But above all, it’s a huge responsibility because I know so many young people, especially in Italy, are watching me — looking at my example, how I behave, what I do. So I always try to give my absolute best every time I step on the court.
It’s definitely a beautiful responsibility to have.

When you were a kid, was the NBA a dream for you, or did reality end up surpassing your imagination?

No, it was impossible to even dream about it. To be honest, I’ve always had a deep passion for basketball, ever since I was very young.
I’d watch games, play endlessly in my backyard hoop — but the NBA always seemed completely out of reach, so much so that I didn’t even dare hope for it.
I grew up fueled simply by love for the game and the desire to play as much as possible.
My dream back then was maybe to one day play in Serie A, the Italian league, which I watched a lot as a kid.
But the NBA? That wasn’t even in my wildest dreams.

Did you have a childhood idol, someone you looked up to?

Unfortunately, I didn’t experience the Michael Jordan era. I was born in ’95, so by the time I was old enough, he had already retired and then briefly come back in ’98, but I was still too young.
The first real NBA games I remember watching were Kobe Bryant’s.
Kobe was a reference point for my generation, and then, after him, LeBron.
Those were definitely the heroes, the idols we looked up to from this side of the ocean.

Kobe was also the American superstar with the closest ties to Italy, having grown up there.

Yes, and when I was around 19 or 20, I actually had the chance to meet him and chat a bit. That was an incredible experience for me.

You’ve traveled a lot — first Germany, then Spain, and now the NBA. You seem like someone who constantly pushes himself outside his comfort zone.

Absolutely.
I think that was the key turning point in my career — my determination to leave Italy at all costs. Going to Berlin, to Germany, was a huge opportunity.
It was a EuroLeague team that offered me real playing time, trust, and minutes — something no one had really given me at 24 years old.

My wife and I decided to take that leap together, with our oldest daughter, who was just eight months old at the time.
Looking back, it felt insane — leaving Italy during the height of the pandemic in 2020, with a baby, to go to another country.
But we went further and further, each move more challenging than the last.
Stepping outside my comfort zone was the best decision I could have made.

Looking at the NBA today, do you think the gap between the NBA and European basketball is still as big as it used to be? Back in the ’90s and 2000s, people used to say they were practically two different sports.

I think that gap is slowly narrowing, but to me, the biggest difference remains the sheer level of talent here.
The players in the NBA are by far the best in the world — there’s no question about it.

On top of that, the whole NBA environment is completely different from the EuroLeague.
The way the league markets and advertises itself is truly unmatched.
When you’re in it, you realize just how lucky you are to be part of it.

Detroit’s Consul General told me about a special celebration the Pistons started doing whenever you scored this past season. You often came off the bench and hit big shots, being a key factor in some games. How did this spoon-hand celebration come about?

There’s always that classic Italian stereotype — “pizza, mandolin, mozzarella.”
Some of my teammates started joking early in the season, telling me to do this hand gesture whenever I scored.

At first, I resisted, but by December I gave in and said, “Okay, fine, next time I’ll do it just to make you happy.”
Then there was a game where I scored a lot, and I did it multiple times — and from there, it just became a thing.

It’s fun, but honestly, as someone who’s been living abroad for five years now, stereotypes about Italians can really get under your skin.
Italian hand gestures are known worldwide, and people often ask you to “do the Italian thing” — it can be funny, but it’s still a cliché.
That said, in my case, it’s tied to my baskets and to something that united our team, so I see it as a positive gesture in the end.

Did you encounter any prejudices when you first arrived in the NBA?

Oh, absolutely.
Especially when you come from Europe — and even more so when you arrive at an older age compared to players coming in through the draft.
I got here at 26, and there’s a wall of stereotypes you have to overcome.

The classic image of the white European player: can’t jump, can’t defend, too soft.
Those prejudices definitely exist.
I acknowledged them and set out to break them down as quickly as possible.

How did you and your family adjust to life in Detroit?

Pretty well, overall.
The weather isn’t the best — in winter it’s constantly around minus 10 (14°F).
But we managed.

During the season, it’s really hard for me to be fully present with my family or to go out and explore.
There’s just not much time or energy for that.

We also have a baby — our second daughter, Luna, who’s under a year old — so we’ve mostly been staying home this past year.

I imagine your family had more interaction with Detroit’s Italian community than you did, given your busy schedule. Is that right?

Yes and no.
As I said, at this stage of our lives, we don’t interact much with the outside world — not intentionally, just because of where we’re at right now.
I’m always traveling, and my wife is constantly with the kids, so it’s tough.

But when we were in Utah for two years, we had the chance to meet so many wonderful people, both inside and outside the Italian community.
The love and support we received there was incredible.

Is there a particular opposing player who impressed you or gave you more trouble than others?

There are so many who are challenging to play against, but one of my favorites to face has to be Kevin Durant.
He’s just always impressive.

What’s your relationship with New York like?

New York is one of my favorite cities to play in. It’s such a fascinating place.
I always like to walk around a lot the day before a game whenever we’re there.
It’s a city I really enjoy.

And especially when it comes to food — I always take advantage of being in New York to have proper Italian meals.
It’s really hard to find truly good Italian food in the U.S., but in New York, there are a couple of places I go to regularly.

Going back to what we discussed at the start: as someone many young players look up to, what message would you like to send to kids in Italy who love basketball?

The way I grew up and approached basketball was always healthy and genuine.
So my message is simply to encourage young players to do the same — to play with passion and joy.

When you’re young, it’s all about enjoying the moment:
enjoying time with your teammates, the friendships you build, and the pure fun of the game.

I grew up like that — never thinking about playing in Serie A, or the NBA, or making money.
Those things came later, luckily.

The message is simple: have fun and enjoy the journey.

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ROME, ITALY (March 12, 2025) – On Monday, March 10th, at 11:30 a.m. at Palazzo Firenze, headquarters of the Società Dante Alighieri (Piazza di Firenze n. 27 – Rome), the President of the Società Dante Alighieri Andrea Riccardi and the President of NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) Robert Allegrini signed an agreement between the two institutions for joint actions related to Italian language and culture in the United States.

“We live in a world where people shout and lie very easily,” states President Andrea Riccardi, “and here Italian must continue to be a language that educates: to communicate, to speak, and to reason. This is particularly important today, when knowing how to reason and how to speak is indispensable. We,” he concludes, “do not want to impose a way of thinking but to remind, also with the important agreement we are signing today with the NIAF Foundation, that Italian is a language with a universal perspective and that, for the children of emigrants and ‘Italsympathizers,’ Italian is felt as a language of the future.”

“The Italian language,” continues President Robert Allegrini, “is a language of culture and everyone should know that there is a great desire from Italian American communities to reclaim their language, even if it has been somewhat lost over the years. Italian American ‘immigrants’ and their children, thanks to this agreement with the Società Dante Alighieri, will be able to reconnect with their language. This agreement,” he concludes, “is important because it creates a foundation of opportunities for Italian Americans and their ‘Italian children’ to learn our beautiful mother tongue: Italian.”

The Agreement

The agreement focuses on teaching Italian online through the digital platform www.dante.global, a cutting-edge tool for offering courses in phygital format (physical and digital) that accompanies Italian courses in hybrid classrooms, all according to the Dante.global teaching methodology. The agreement will also include actions for teacher training and professional development, the granting of joint scholarships, and the promotion of Italian culture through events and initiatives, including those of a scientific nature. All this in support of made in Italy and the promotion of Italian business culture among Italian communities, founded by emigrants, who have contributed to America’s growth. During the ceremony, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, a strategic partner of the project, was represented by President Nicola Bertinelli.

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The Italian Trade Agency in New York recently hosted a special seminar celebrating the culinary traditions that define Italian holiday tables. This event, designed for industry professionals and food lovers alike, highlighted the rich tapestry of flavors that Italian-Americans hold dear, especially during the festive season.

Guided by Raimondo Lucariello, Director of Food and Wine at ITA, the seminar featured esteemed speakers including Francesco Bauli, director of Bauli Group USA, Chef Fabrizio Facchini, and entrepreneur Sam Ramic. Together, they shared stories, insights, and, most importantly, tastes of the dishes that embody Italian holiday traditions.

Italian Holiday Cuisine: More Than Just Food

For many Italian-Americans, the holidays are a time to reconnect with their roots, and food plays a central role in preserving those ties. The seminar showcased classics like panettone and pandoro, traditional sweet breads synonymous with Christmas celebrations. These aren’t just desserts—they’re symbols of Italian culture, passed down through generations and cherished across oceans.

Chef Facchini expanded the conversation, introducing savory staples like prosciutto, salami, and pecorino romano, alongside festive pasta dishes and seafood specialties. Attendees also explored the art of pairing these delicacies with sparkling wines and bold reds, celebrating the craftsmanship of Italy’s renowned vineyards.

Italian-American Pride in Holiday Traditions

For Italian-Americans, these dishes are more than ingredients; they’re touchstones of identity. “Food is a way we stay connected to our heritage,” shared one attendee. “These flavors remind us of family gatherings, stories told around the table, and the pride of knowing where we come from.”

The event highlighted the unique perspective of Italian-Americans who blend their ancestral traditions with modern American influences, creating a vibrant cultural identity that continues to evolve.

Building Toward the Fancy Food Show 2025

This seminar is part of a monthly series leading up to the Fancy Food Show 2025, an event poised to spotlight Italian producers and their contributions to the American market. By sharing the stories behind each dish, these seminars reinforce the bond between Italian-Americans and their culinary heritage.

Initiatives like this remind us that food is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of identity, culture, and community. Through these events, the legacy of Italian holiday traditions continues to thrive, inspiring future generations to embrace and share their heritage.

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Italian newspapers, especially Corriere della Sera, were keen to highlight in their political pages a story that could almost be dismissed as gossip or lighthearted news. Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump had a conversation. Not in a formal bilateral meeting, as one might expect, but on the sidelines of the splendid dinner hosted by Macron in Paris following the inauguration of the “new” Notre Dame.

The table was still set, the glasses of what was undoubtedly excellent wine still within reach, according to the reports. Nevertheless, both Trump’s and Meloni’s staff were eager to let the world know that the two leaders spoke. About what? Ukraine, the Middle East, relations with Europe. In short, about the world and its future.

Some claim Giorgia possesses a charisma and conviviality reminiscent of Berlusconi in his prime. Where diplomacy falls short, personal empathy bridges the gap. Is that a small thing? Others argue that she is poised to become the key European leader in negotiations with the new American president, putting Italy in a position of significant prestige—far from the “isolated Italy” narrative that opposition parties have been shouting about since June.

Of course, empathy and proficiency in direct communication with leaders are not enough on their own to navigate the complexities of global issues. But Meloni also has a solid political foundation: she is the only leader of the EU’s founding countries enjoying political stability and relative economic steadiness—certainly better off than France, shaken by a government crisis, and Germany, grappling with both a government crisis and the automotive industry’s struggles.

To round off this fruitful gathering at Notre Dame, our Prime Minister also squeezed in a casual meeting with Elon Musk. It has been a year since the eccentric entrepreneur attended Atreju, the annual and now almost Christmas-like festival of Fratelli d’Italia. At the time, it was dismissed as a quirky technological event. But today, those who talk to Musk are engaging with the main player in The Donald’s victory.

In short: empathy, English fluency, and foresight!

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In a move set to reshape Italy’s migration policy, the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the suspension of all asylum requests from Syria. The decision, formalized in a statement from Palazzo Chigi, follows the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the ensuing political chaos in the country. This measure aligns Italy with other European governments, including Germany, Sweden, the UK, and Austria, which have implemented similar actions. The stated aim is to ensure national security and support a peaceful and inclusive transition for the Syrian people.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting held after the Council of Ministers, attended by key government figures such as Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, and intelligence officials. “At a time when fighting continues in parts of Syria,” the government stated, “the priority is to safeguard civilian lives and protect minorities, including Christians.” However, this policy leaves thousands of asylum seekers in a bureaucratic limbo, raising concerns about their immediate future.

The Syrian crisis, worsened by Assad’s fall, is a litmus test for Europe as it struggles to balance welcoming refugees with addressing internal security concerns. Foreign Minister Tajani recently highlighted the risk of a humanitarian crisis and a potential migration collapse, which could have global repercussions. Despite suspending asylum applications, Italy will maintain its embassy in Damascus and continue monitoring the situation in collaboration with international and regional partners.

Domestic political reactions have been swift. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed strong support for the measure, calling it “necessary” to ensure border control. He also suggested temporarily suspending the Schengen Agreement to strengthen checks at Italy’s borders. These remarks have sparked questions about the potential impact of such actions on European relations and the overall management of migration. How Italy translates this policy into concrete actions and the duration of the asylum suspension remain key uncertainties as Syria continues to be a hotspot of political and social instability.

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The Italian naval vessel Libra resumed operations on Monday to transfer rescued migrants from Italy to Albania under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior. This latest group, intercepted off the coast of Lampedusa, is expected to be moved to the Albanian centers of Shengjin and Gjader as part of an agreement between Italy and Albania. This marks the second transfer under Prime Minister Meloni’s new migration management system, yet uncertainty looms over these relocations following recent rulings from Italian and European courts.

Details regarding the timing of the Libra’s departure and the exact number of migrants on board remain unclear. Sources, including Il Messaggero, report between 6 and 12 migrants, with the possibility of additional arrivals to reach a target of 30-40 individuals. Preliminary reports indicate that those on board are Egyptian nationals, though official confirmation is lacking. Initial checks are underway to determine whether these individuals meet the requirements for relocation to the Albanian centers.

The Italy-Albania agreement specifies that only adult male migrants, considered “non-vulnerable” and originating from “safe countries,” are eligible for transfer to the Albanian facilities. However, the Italian government’s designation of “safe countries” under a recent decree has drawn criticism from international organizations. The list includes countries like Egypt, Bangladesh, and Tunisia, which Italy deems secure but are not universally recognized as such by international standards.

The issue has become more complex following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which stipulated that a country can only be considered safe if it ensures security for all individuals across its entire territory. This decision has already influenced Italian court rulings, blocking the detention of migrants from countries on Italy’s “safe list” that do not meet EU-defined safety criteria.

In light of this decision, the Rome court recently blocked the detention of Egyptian and Bangladeshi migrants previously transferred to Albania. More recently, the Catania court rejected the detention of an Egyptian migrant, further complicating Italy’s plan to manage migration flows through Albanian facilities. The Catania ruling has significant political implications, raising new questions about the legal viability of Albania’s detention centers and the future of Italy’s migration management policy.

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