Francesco Ferlazzo Natoli has been elected President of the Italian Bridge Federation (FIGB) from 2017 to 2020. We asked Silvio Sbarigia to introduce him.
Silvio, could you please introduce Mr Ferlazzo to our readers?
SS: I know Francesco well, he is a solicitor living in Messina and a very good bridge player. I met him at the table around 30 years ago during the Italian Championships. I have always admired him as a player and for his sympathetic attitude. He is very nice and has a strong personality, not easily influenced. His wife, Caterina Ferlazzo, is one of our best players. I hope that he will be able to improve the situation of Italian professional players and that he will find the best aproach to select the Open, Women and Senior teams.
Do you think President Ferlazzo will manage to bring back the Lavazza players into the Open team?
SS: It might be that the administration change will sway these players’ views, but I honestly do not think it will be easy to achieve this.
In addition to your hope that Italy will be successful again on the international scene, what do you think is the priority for the new admin team?
SS: I would like the new President to focus on the professional players. In the last two years, our professionals have faced a number of significant financial challenges to participate in competitions: this includes the registration fees, travel and accommodation.
Do you think Ferlazzo will be a good President?
SS: Only time can tell, but from my knowledge of him, I trust him and have great expectations. I send him my best wishes for his new role!
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