Fabio Guadagnini has been appointed communications director of Rome 2024 ©Fox Sports

Former Fox Sports director Fabio Guadagnini has been appointed director of communications for Rome's 2024 Olympic and Paralympic bid, it was announced today.

The 51-year-old will head up all press and social activity from Rome to promote the Italian candidature for the Games.

A journalist since 1993, he has extensive experience within sports broadcasting, having spent time leading sports coverage of disciplines ranging from athletics to volleyball to football, including the UEFA Champions League.

After spending 11 years with Sky Sports, he joins the bid from Fox Sports Italy, where he was director and vice-chairman.

Before that, he undertook a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from the IULM University in Milan.

Fabio Guadagnini takes over at a key time for Rome 2024 following the resignation of Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino ©Getty Images
Fabio Guadagnini takes over as communications director at a key time for Rome 2024 following the resignation of Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino earlier this month ©Getty Images

Coming at a time when the Italian bid is still struggling as a consequence of economic and political problems in the European country, leading to the resignation of Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino last week, Guadagnini will have much work to do.

He is expected to focus on working with Italian media, insidethegames understands, while London-based consultancy Milltown Partners will continue to spearhead international work within the English-speaking world.

This comes a month after Rome was one of five cities to officially confirm its bid, along with Budapest, Hamburg, Los Angeles and Paris.

A host is due to be selected at the 2017 International Olympic Committee Session in Peru.



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