This morning, at the Foro Italico, Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI, together with Roberto Fabbricini, Secretary General, and Carlo Mornati, Deputy Secretary General, presented today the new Head of the Anti-doping agency NADO ITALY, General Leonardo Gallitelli, former Commander of the Arma dei Carabinieri (National Military Police Corps).

The nomination of Gallitelli was approved by the meeting of the National Board, which was held last Tuesday in Turin. President Malagò, expressing the feeling of pride of the Italian sport world for the high profile of the new Head, revealed the path that lead to a nomination that has what it takes to embody the turning point in the anti-doping sector.  "It is a further step along the way opened by Cosimo Piccinno, whom I remember always with respect and fondness. After the implementation document signed in May with the NAS (department of the carabinieri responsible for controls of foodstuff, drinks, medicine, etc.), it remained for us to choose the person to run the organisation, to be identified together with the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Health. I presented Gallitellli's name to the Prime MInister, Matteo Renzi, who agreed with the choice, and then I received also the complete and unconditional approval of the Minister of Health, Beatrice Lorenzin. This change of power confirms the will to bring even more transparency to an anti-doping agency with recognised credibility, certified also by WADA, and appreciated internationally. Gallitelli's nomination stands for even more credibility, the certainty to be able to rely on a responsible and important contribution.  He will take every decision: he accepted after having considered and researched the topic. I am also grateful to NAS as they allowed us to develop this path. NAS will be given an important award for their contribution to the sporting world in the anti-doping field".

General Leonardo Gallitelli thanked Malagò and the world of sport for the prestigious nomination. "After my experience of more than 47 years in the Carabinieri, I was looking for an experience that would provide continuity in its content. Over the years, we fought against all substances polluting our social life, and doping also fits in this category. NADO ITALY will operate with independence and autonomy. What has been done to this day speaks of great efficiency; it is a privilege to be able to count on an excellent base, constituted by the current organisation. Absolute rigour will reign over our operations, with the will to continue to develop and advance this model".