Italian president Sergio Mattarella marked the 225th anniversary of the nation's tricolour on Friday, hailing the flag as "symbol of Italy and witness to the path that led to the construction of the republic, free and democratic." "Many tragic and heroic events accompanied the achievement of a common destiny", said the outgoing head of state, whose seven-year term of office draws to an end in a few weeks. 

The president recalled how citizens displayed the flag in the windows of their homes during the difficult days of the covid-19 pandemic, underlining the "fundamental value of solidarity and social cohesion." Mattarella also noted that the tricolour accompanied Italian athletes during the recent "season of international sporting successes that made us proud. Long live the Tricolour, long live the Republic." The tricolour became Italy’s national flag in Reggio Emilia on 7 January 1797.