Faced with the debate that accompanies the decision to play a Euroleague match between Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv, it is worth stopping for a moment and distinguishing what constitutes a political controversy, which I am not really interested in, and what concerns the functioning of democratic institutions.
In recent days, the Mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, expressed his refusal to hold the competition in PalaDozza, even stating that the logic of “force” would apply. However, by looking closely at the facts and the regulatory framework governing public safety, it is clear that this is not a game won “by force”, but rather the application of simple rules, institutional normality, as well as legality and democracy.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, when speaking publicly at an ANCI rally a few days ago, clearly stated one thing that is often forgotten in the din of controversy: there are precise rules governing the conduct of public events, and the State has an obligation to implement them transparently, regardless of the political or emotional context.
In our country, as in other democracies, and also in Israel, I believe, sporting events are played if there are no objective reasons, ascertained by the authorities, that make it impossible to do so.
And in this case, the reason went undetected by the authorities responsible for doing so. Then the match will be played. The presence of an Israeli team, especially from a democratic country, and I want to emphasize, which is internationally recognized as the State of Israel, does not in itself constitute any obstacle. It is true, at a time when conflict is generating global tensions, promoting sporting events is a valuable contribution to civil normality and societal freedoms. Without underestimating the complexity of public debate, it is natural to ask why, in a city like Bologna that always values plurality, basketball games are the subject of heated debate. I think this is very strange.
Because it is sport itself, now more than ever, that reminds us that meeting is better than competing, competing is better than clashing, and there is nothing “dangerous” about sharing the same arena with athletes representing other democratic countries. In this case, more sporting events often mean fewer violent demonstrations, less room for tension, more opportunities to build human connections beyond flags and political affiliations.
I think it is appropriate to remember that, if the City of Bologna really considers the match to be inappropriate for the context of the city, there are legal tools and procedures to intervene, but I see that these tools may not have been used. And I think this explains it all. Therefore, it is clear that the controversy is not just about the match itself, or about security. This report touches on broader plans, which go beyond our borders, as demonstrated by the international dimensions of protests and tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.
In these circumstances, it is important to reiterate a simple but fundamental truth: Italy’s Jewish community should not feel isolated or blamed for what happens elsewhere. Indeed, they must be defended and supported, just like the Palestinian people who are victims of Hamas. The most sincere and heartfelt solidarity must be expressed to them without ambiguity. Solidarity and closeness also with the entire Italian Jewish community, such as with the Jewish community in Bologna which is experiencing these special days.
In the end, the game will be played and this is the important thing in this whole affair. Not because anyone “made a loud statement”, but because this is how the rule of law works: rules apply, lawful events take place, citizens maintain the freedom to participate or not participate in complete freedom but always in accordance with the rules.
In this case, I repeat, it is not the muscles that win. Namely normality, legality, institutional rationality.
Those three words, when everything around seemed
shouts should convince us more than a match played in front of a full stadium. In closing, I would like to say a slogan: more sports and less controversy. That would be better for everyone and especially for our beloved country.
