National Festival of Sport Storytelling
Six evenings in Veroli where sport meets literature, journalism, and collective memory
About Sport Storytelling
Sport as a narrative
The National Festival of Sport Storytelling was born in Veroli in 2019 from a brilliant idea by the cultural association Tutti i colori del Libro: to tell the story of sport not just as a competition, but as culture, information, literature, and narrative. The first edition, titled «Football and Earth», launched a format that has quickly become a national benchmark for those who love the stories hidden behind a ball, a racket, or an Olympic medal. Book presentations, readings, interviews, and direct testimonies from protagonists create a mosaic where the square transforms into a large open-air sports lounge.
Piazza Santa Salome, a stage under the stars
The heart of the festival is Piazza Santa Salome, in the historic center of Veroli, at the foot of the basilica dedicated to the patron saint. Every evening in the height of summer, the square fills with chairs and audiences eager to listen to writers, journalists from major national newspapers, coaches, and champions taking the stage. Admission is always free; in case of bad weather, meetings move to the nearby Cinesala Trulli on Via Castello. It is a simple and convivial formula that has won over a loyal audience, far beyond the borders of Ciociaria.
The 2026 edition: six evenings of energy and thought
The eighth edition, scheduled from July 20 to 25, 2026, confirms the multidisciplinary vocation of the event. Opening the festival is writer Maurizio de Giovanni, creator of Commissario Ricciardi and the Bastardi di Pizzofalcone series, in conversation with Marco Bellinazzo of Il Sole 24 Ore on talent and broken dreams. Throughout the week, the program covers basketball with coach Matteo Boniciolli, sport and the Constitution with Iacopo Volpi and former Italian national volleyball coach Mauro Berruto, tennis with Stefano Meloccaro of Sky Sport, and international football with Pierluigi Pardo. Among the most anticipated guests is former striker Beppe Signori, while the closing night features Frosinone Calcio president Maurizio Stirpe, interviewed by RAI journalist Claudio Giambene.
Great guests, great stories
Over the years, the festival has hosted prominent figures from Italian sport and journalism: from Olympic champion Massimiliano Rosolino to former CONI president Giovanni Malagò, from Juventus legend Sergio Brio to the voice of basketball Flavio Tranquillo, and Francesco Repice, the iconic Radio Rai commentator. Each edition features a manifesto-title — «Sport, Reason and Sentiment» in 2025 — which acts as a common thread throughout the evenings, ranging from football to volleyball, swimming to Formula 1, without forgetting Paralympic sports and stories of social redemption.
A festival rooted in the territory
The event is promoted by the association Tutti i colori del Libro with the support of the Municipality of Veroli, the Pro Loco, and the Province of Frosinone, and is part of the rich summer calendar of one of the most fascinating villages in southern Lazio. Veroli, a city of art nestled in the Ernici Mountains just a stone's throw from the Abbey of Casamari, offers visitors medieval alleys, Romanesque churches, and an authentic Ciociarian gastronomic tradition: the festival is also an excellent opportunity to discover it.
Sport Storytelling — edition 2026
2026 Edition
From July 20 to 25, 2026, Veroli returns as the capital of sport storytelling with the eighth edition of the festival promoted by the association Tutti i colori del Libro. Six free-admission evenings in Piazza Santa Salome, in the heart of the Ciociarian village, with a program that intertwines literature, sports journalism, and personal testimonies.
The opening is entrusted to Maurizio de Giovanni, one of Italy's most beloved writers, in conversation with Marco Bellinazzo of Il Sole 24 Ore on talent and broken dreams. Following are evenings dedicated to basketball with Matteo Boniciolli, the relationship between sport and the Constitution with Iacopo Volpi and Mauro Berruto, tennis with Stefano Meloccaro, and international football with Pierluigi Pardo. Thursday features the epic of Argentina-England 1986 and an interview with Beppe Signori; Friday includes a tribute to Totò Schillaci and the celebration of Roma's Scudetto with Francesco Repice. Grand finale on Saturday the 25th with women in sport and a tribute to Frosinone Calcio with president Maurizio Stirpe, interviewed by Claudio Giambene of RAI. In case of bad weather, meetings move to the Cinesala Trulli at Via Castello 27.
Programme Sport Storytelling 2026
Monday, July 20 — Opening night on sport, talent, and broken dreams with writer Maurizio de Giovanni and Marco Bellinazzo (Il Sole 24 Ore).
Tuesday, July 21 — Basketball recounted by coach Matteo Boniciolli with Massimiliano Graziani (Radio Rai); followed by a debate on sport and the Constitution with Iacopo Volpi (USSI president) and Mauro Berruto (former Italian volleyball coach).
Wednesday, July 22 — Evening dedicated to tennis with Stefano Meloccaro (Sky Sport) and international football with Pierluigi Pardo.
Thursday, July 23 — The sporting epic of Argentina-England 1986 recounted by Fabrizio Gabrielli; interview with Beppe Signori with Stefano De Grandis (Sky Sport).
Friday, July 24 — Remembering Totò Schillaci with Corrado De Rosa; celebrating Roma's Scudetto with Francesco Repice (Radio Rai) and Sandro Bonvissuto.
Saturday, July 25, 9:00 PM — Women and sport with Mara Cinquepalmi and Eleonora Patriarca; closing with a tribute to Frosinone Calcio: president Maurizio Stirpe interviewed by Claudio Giambene (Rai).
Highlights Sport Storytelling 2026
- Maurizio de Giovanni opens the festival in conversation with Marco Bellinazzo
- Beppe Signori interviewed by Stefano De Grandis of Sky Sport
- Pierluigi Pardo recounts international football
- Mauro Berruto and Iacopo Volpi on sport and the Constitution
- Remembering Totò Schillaci and Roma's Scudetto with Francesco Repice
- Grand finale with Maurizio Stirpe, president of Frosinone Calcio
Prices Sport Storytelling 2026
Practical information — Sport Storytelling
How to get there
Veroli can be reached by car from the A1 motorway (Frosinone or Ferentino exits), continuing on the dual carriageway towards Sora and following signs for Veroli. By train, the nearest station is Frosinone (Rome-Cassino line), from which COTRAL buses depart for the center of Veroli.
Admission and hours
All festival evenings are free to attend, starting in the evening (around 9:00 PM) in Piazza Santa Salome. In case of bad weather, meetings are held at the Cinesala Trulli, at Via Castello 27.
Tips
During the festival days, the historic center is very busy: it is advisable to arrive early to find a seat and take the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Salome and the nearby Abbey of Casamari.
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Where does it take place — Sport Storytelling
Piazza Santa Salome
Piazza Santa Salome, 03029 Veroli