VENEZIA "GRAN PREMIO INTERNAZIONALE": STROPPA, ANTONELLI AND MOLINARO HONOURED
The prestigious Venice International Grand Prix once again illuminates the Italian cultural and institutional landscape with a new edition rich in awards and distinguished figures. Today, Friday 5 June 2026, the Historic Palace of the Veneto Region hosted the official ceremony for the presentation of the Golden Lions of Merit, an honour reserved for high-profile individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fields of art, culture, science, economics, journalism, sport and social innovation.
Venezia FC took centre stage at this edition with no fewer than three awards presented to its executives and head coach. Giovanni Stroppa, head coach of Venezia FC, was bestowed with the prestigious Golden Lion of Merit — the highest recognition of the event — in acknowledgement of his professional career and contribution to Italian football. Filippo Antonelli, Sporting Director & General Manager of the orange-and-black club, received the Communication Award, a testament to the commitment and vision with which he leads the sporting and managerial dimension of the club. Rounding off the hat-trick of awards for Venezia FC, Cristian Molinaro, Technical Director of the club, received a Golden Lion Plaque, a further mark of recognition for his work in the team's technical development.
The Venice International Grand Prix once again confirms its place as one of the most significant events in the landscape of Italian honours — a meeting point between institutions, culture and enterprise, capable of celebrating excellence in all its forms and promoting the highest values of civic responsibility, innovation and international dialogue.
Giovanni Stroppa, Venezia FC Head Coach:
"It is an immense emotion and an honour to receive this award. Being presented with a Golden Lion in this magnificent city fills me with pride. This is an award I share with my staff, the entire club, the directors, the ownership and all the fans. The memory I carry with me from the celebrations on the Grand Canal is unique: celebrating promotion in this city, from the boat parade to the award ceremony in Piazza San Marco, was an unforgettable moment."
Cristian Molinaro, Venezia FC Technical Director:"Venice has essentially adopted me, both as a player and as an executive, so it is a great honour for me to receive this plaque. The recognition is the result of a focused journey undertaken by a working group and a club that is growing year after year. The spirit of this award should certainly be seen as the crowning of the work done up to now, but above all it represents a beginning that can bring important results to the club's future."