
A few months before the start of the World Cup in South Africa, the Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola organized in collaboration with FIFA to take the trophy to 83 countries, amde its stop in Rome. The charity initiative, will contribute to the fundraising project RAIN (Replenish Africa Initiative), laucnhed by Coac-Cola to guarantee drinkable water to African schools.
In Rome the World Cup was welcomed by two world champions Gigi Buffon 2006) and Bruno Conti (1982). Also present was former Cameroon star, Roger Milla, who is the testimonial of the tour.
The World Cup was exhibited in Fiumicino and later at the Campdoglio where a press conference with the particpation of mayor Gianni Alemanno, South African Ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso, FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, FIFA Media Officer Karolina Lamacova and Director of Marketing of Coca-Cola Italia Cristina Santucci, was held. In the next two days various initaitives will take place in the capital city, dedicated to youth and the gerenal public (for all the information log on to www.coca-cola.it).
Gigi Buffon could not help be enthiusiatic of once again holding the trophy won in 2006. «It was a great emotion. Now we will go to South Africa to try and defend this title».
With regards to Juventus, who won in Florence, Buffon declared: «At the moment, seeing the point margin from the third plcae, is to consolidate the fourth place even though there is a great competition». Asked whether, he would think of leaving Juventus if the team failed to qualify for the Champions League, the goalkeeper answered: «It is something which I never even thought of because I am not considering the possibility of not qualifying for the Champions League».