President Sergio Mattarella on Sunday
responded to autistic youths' saying he was one of them by
saying "thanks, I'm one of you" at the PizzAut event marking the
opening of the pizza-making group's second restaurant after
Milan, at Monza, on World Autism Awareness Day.
"This is a compliment for me because I am one of you. Thank
you'" said Mattarella thanking the PizzAut boys at the end of
the lunch.
In fact, the boys repeatedly sang the chorus 'Mattarella one of
us' to him - a phrase that was also written on the apron they
gave him.
Mattarella attended the autism awareness event in Monza and ate
pizza made especially for him by autistic kids on World Autism
Awareness Day.
During the lunch at the PizzAut event, Mattarella tucked into a
pizza dubbed Article One after the first article of the Italian
Constitution which says Italy is a republic founded on work.
"Italy is a democratic republic also founded on our work," said
the children and youths. Before the pizza Mattarella ate
antipasti, fried gnocchi and salumi.
Organizer Nico Acampora said "dining and supping with Mattarella
is an extraordinary thing, be jealous of us because we are
talking in a wonderful way."
The young people said "president you're one of us" as they
celebrated opening the group's second pizzeria.
A young autistic waiter played Beethoven's Ode to Joy European
anthem for the president.
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