“My name is Federica Cappelletti. I am the proud wife of Paolo Rossi and mother to his beloved daughters, Maria Vittoria and Sofia Elena. We are forever united by our fil rouge. Born in Perugia, I have lived in Tuscany for many years, where Paolo and I had chosen to grow old together. I am a professional journalist and for many years wrote about healthcare — a love at first sight. I’ve written books, including Paolo’s biography, ‘Quanto dura un attimo’, a literary effort that tells the story of the man more than the footballer, and one I’m very proud of. Today, I collaborate with television programs and follow sports with great passion. I had it at home in its highest expression, and now I can’t live without it.

I consider it a mission to help others — a concrete way to continue along the path traced by my beloved husband. It makes me feel better. It completes me. It completed us. It means making him live on.”

Federica Cappelletti is now the president of the Paolo Rossi Foundation. She recalls with emotion the moment when, together with Paolo, she decided to dedicate herself to improving the lives of others.

“For a long time, Paolo and I dreamed of creating this Foundation. I remember us one January day tucked away in a mountain cabin — a coffee, many ideas. A desire to give, to devote ourselves. We already had in mind a charitable organization whose sole purpose would be to support others and build projects to help those most in need.

Paolo often said that life had been generous with him, allowing him to fulfill his childhood dream and reach the highest achievements — both in sport and, I’d say, in life — until he became a Legend. And he used to add that he wanted to ‘give back’ some of the good fortune he had received. The Foundation was born partly for this reason: to carry on his wishes over time, beyond me, beyond our daughters and his son, beyond our strengths, capabilities, and ambitions.

Together with Alessandro, Paolo’s eldest son, and Rossano, Paolo’s older brother, we laid the foundations for the Foundation. The Paolo Rossi Foundation is now a reality, and with its goals of high social and community value, it will become increasingly present and tangible among the people. Paolo’s humanity, generosity, and virtues will take shape in the programs and intentions of the Foundation that bears his name — bringing solutions, smiles, sunshine, and opportunities where there is darkness, injustice, cold, hunger, deprivation, and devastating silence.

Meeting people of depth, who embody and uphold ethical and professional values, has gradually made all of this real and part of our everyday lives. I’m referring to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, whom I thank daily for their proven experience and expertise, their integrity, and altruism. I’m referring to Andrea, for his perseverance and invaluable commitment. I’m referring to all those who work with us every day and help us achieve significant goals.

I take this opportunity to reiterate a crucial concept: a Foundation is not created for profit, and its philosophy belongs only to those who truly believe in it, who commit with consistency, responsibility, and heart. To those who use it to leave a mark. To build. To cooperate. A Foundation is a real commitment — a lifelong contract with one’s moral integrity.

I have taken on the role of President and I’m honored. I feel I represent Paolo and carry an enormous weight on my shoulders. A great responsibility. I put my name and face to it from the beginning because I truly believe in it, because I see giving as both a duty and a deeply fulfilling act. I will continue to do so until the last day I am given the chance to lead this orchestra. I certainly won’t be alone.

Today our team is working tirelessly to reach important goals. We won’t stop until we are satisfied with our work — and until you are satisfied with what we have promised and delivered.”