The Rosa Camuna, the highest honor of the Lombardy Region, awarded to the Inter defender after the Inter-Juve case. Between politics, support and sports narration a discussion arises that goes beyond the pitch
It’s not a short step from diving onto the pitch at Rosa Camuna. But in the Italian football – and in politics which often revolves around him – can become one. Alessandro BastoniInter defender, was awarded the highest honor of Lombardy Regiona recognition that over the years has ended up in the hands of entrepreneurs, managers, associations and personalities who have marked the economic and civil life of the area.
The choice has sparked a discussion that goes beyond the simple sporting episode and enters the always slippery territory where football, politics and public storytelling they meet. The starting point is known. During Inter-Juve on 14 FebruaryBastoni accentuates a contact with the Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu. The referee sends off the Juventus player, Bastoni rejoices and the controversy flares up. From there the Nerazzurri defender is the target of boos in all stadiums.
A few days later, Bastoni publicly admits that he was wrong. An episode which, in the reading of the promoters of the award, transforms from simulation for example of sporting responsibility.
The proposal at Pirellone
The proposal to give him the Rosa Camuna was born at Pirellone. It is presented by the president of the regional council Federico Romania member of Fdi, with the bipartisan support of the PD councilor Pietro Bussolati: two iron Inter fans (the second is president of the Inter Club at Pirellone).
The official justification speaks of «maturity in publicly acknowledging a mistake». So far the institutional version.
The Nerazzurri “narrative machine”.
But what they defined in football circles was quickly activated around the affair «Nerazzurri narrative machine»a system of solidarity that in the Inter world rarely leaves its symbols alone. From the statements of managers and commentators to the comments in the sports talkthe line soon became clear: Bastoni is not the simulator that the opponents have painted, but a player who has had the courage to tell the truth when no one else does.
The result is a dynamic from meeting in Appiano Gentilefor those who closely observe the Inter world: when one of the protagonists ends up under accusation, the reaction is often compact, almost corporate.
In a few days Bastoni went from being criticized for a simulation to becoming the symbol of a sort of «sports redemption»an exemplary case to be defended publicly.
What the Camunian Rose really is
And this is precisely where the truth comes from short circuit. There Rosa Camuna it is in fact the highest honor conferred by the Lombardy Region. Established in 1996takes its name from the symbol engraved in the rocks of Val Camonicawhich has become the official emblem of the Region.
Every year it is awarded on the occasion of Lombardy FestivalThe May 29thto people, associations or institutions who have distinguished themselves for having made a significant contribution to economic, social, cultural or civil development of the Lombardy region. It is therefore an award designed for figures who have had a lasting impact on the life of the region.
Among the winners appear Bernardo Caprottifounder of Esselunga, associations involved in volunteering such as i City Angels or companies that operate daily in the Lombardy area.
In the 2024 the president of Inter won Giuseppe Marotta. You see sometimes the case.
