As summer draws to a close, the excitement in Barcelona builds as the Louis Vuitton Cup prepares to kick off next Thursday. Luna Rossa is set to make its sixth attempt at claiming the prestigious America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in the world, dating back to the 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup. This week, Sportweek, included with the Gazzetta dello Sport for just €2.50, features an exclusive cover story on the Italian team, complete with a 20-page special dedicated to their journey.
At the helm of Luna Rossa’s relentless pursuit is Patrizio Bertelli, the 78-year-old president of the Prada Group. His deep passion for sailing goes beyond mere commercial interests; for the last 27 years, he has led the Luna Rossa project, likening it to Italy’s version of Ferrari at sea. Bertelli is more determined than ever to seize the cup, having come close in 2000 and 2021 when his team faced the Defender. “No one has tried as many times as I have,” Bertelli remarks, highlighting the challenge that the America’s Cup presents. “It’s the difficulty of winning that makes it so fascinating. It’s a complex and strange game that requires persistence to keep competing.”
Bertelli expresses confidence in his team, emphasizing Italy’s spirited ambition to win. Over the years, the boats have evolved dramatically, transitioning from monohulls to the advanced flying catamarans of today. “Having the fastest boat is a significant advantage,” he explains, but notes that the races are now shorter and more intense, making the start and initial leg crucial. Therefore, team synergy is vital.
The article introduces Luna Rossa’s skilled lineup, featuring experienced skippers like Sirena, Bruni, and Spithill. One of the team’s new additions is Ruggero Tita, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the Nacra 17 class, who recently celebrated success at the Paris Games near Marseille. Tita shared his experience, stating, “I received an incredible welcome from the team, including a surprise celebration. I wanted to share my medal with them, as many helped me reach this achievement. But the most important challenge is always the next one, and I’m focused on that, especially with a fantastic boat like Luna Rossa. We have everything we need to bring home the Cup and write a new chapter in Italian sailing history.”
Sportweek also highlights the five rival boats in the competition, including Britain’s Ineos, the Defender New Zealand, American Magic, Switzerland’s Alinghi, and France’s Orient Express. The special issue provides insights into the stunning racecourse with the iconic Sagrada Familia as the backdrop, along with a guide to navigate the various stages of the challenge.
As football enters a vibrant phase, Real Madrid recently claimed the UEFA Super Cup, marking Carlo Ancelotti as the most successful manager in international competitions, now boasting 14 trophies—three more than Guardiola. Serie A has also kicked off, featuring fresh faces and some well-known ones between the posts. Pepe Reina returns to Italy at 41, bringing his vast experience to newly promoted Como, alongside fellow Spaniard David De Gea at Fiorentina. Juventus has welcomed Michele Di Gregorio from Monza as their new goalkeeper.
Former football star Giovanni Galli lauds Italy’s goalkeeper training, asserting that it remains the best and encouraging the inclusion of young talent. In this week’s Top XI, Hernanes showcases an impressive Seleção augmented by foreign legends such as Pirlo, Zidane, and Messi. Meanwhile, the article recounts the story of Bruce Dombolo, a former midfielder who turned to crime after his football career but has since become an actor and advocate for ex-convicts after serving a ten-year sentence.
Additionally, the focus shifts to the upcoming Paralympic Games, with 141 Italian athletes set to compete. Veronica Yoko Plebani, a bronze medalist from Tokyo in triathlon, shares her journey through adversity after a bout with meningitis. She emphasizes that true understanding comes from recognizing both physical and emotional strengths.
Lastly, on International Dog Day (August 29), Sportweek pays tribute to the pets of popular athletes, featuring stories about Valentino’s bulldog, Hamilton’s companion, and others, including Goggia’s Australian shepherd and Biles’ golden retriever. The connection between sport and their furry friends adds a warm touch this summer as the sporting world continues to thrive.