THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME — Giovanni Malago is the new president of the Italian Olympic Committee, replacing Giovanni Petrucci.
Malago, organizer of the 2009 swimming world championships in Rome and president of the prestigious Canottieri Aniene club, has been confirmed as CONI’s new chief following the elections on Tuesday.
A tearful Malago says, "In sport it’s difficult to win, but also not to win. I consider this role the most important in our country, I will do everything to honour it."
The 53-year-old Malago beat CONI secretary general Raffaele Pagnozzi and Simone Gambino, president of the Italian cricket federation.
Petrucci left in September, after 14 years and four terms in charge of CONI.
