Paolo, you are the Italian double world champion and Max describes you as a good buddy on the tour. How would you describe your relationship with him?

Paolo: First of all, I am proud of Max description about me and about my behaviour on the tour. I’ve always respected him as he was the only one (with Yannick Borel) that refused to be „submitted“ by my unconventional and aggressive style. He perfectioned his own way to fight, and playing against Max was always funny and a big challenge for everyone. Let me say that Max, more than everyone, tried to evolve our sport in one big show with his iconic style on the field. His commitment and heart are the vehicle that I need to admire someone.

Can you remember the first time you met Max? Can you tell us about it?

Yes i do, I’m pretty sure that I met him along one competition of the under20 epee circuit (2001?). That specific tournament was in Switzerland and I was a rising star of my italian national team.

So there, I was probably high seeded in that tournament and I met him right in the first round. I clearly remember that I’ve lost against him, surprised by his dynamic movement and personality.

A top athlete like Max needs a reliable and honest entourage, you know that better than anyone.
Can you briefly describe how you perceived his sporting career from your point of view? And can you remember a situation that was difficult for him and for you?

From my point of view he gained fewer „heavy“ medals than he probably deserved/wished. I mean, he did an impressive career but never got and individual medal in the Olympics. This is weird, as I consider him one of the strongest opponent that I’ve ever faced.

I clearly remember that Max and me had a casual brief meeting under the tribune of London 2012 Olympics. We were just eliminated, and we were both kind of desperate. We look at each other eyes , perfectly knowing that nobody in the world could understand how deep was our pain.

We did not say a single word and we just come back to our place. That moment of understanding between two suffering champions was iconic in my mind.

Can you describe Max as a person and as a top athlete from your point of view?

Max as a person? I probably haven’t frequented him that enough to get this. He seems to me an organized guy, a good father and a great fighter that lives 100% his sport career and his extra-fencing life.

“As a top athlete I just considered him inside my short “best to avoid” athletes list. And trust me, this list is veery short as I never feel unsecure on my business ;)”

What were some special, memorable moments that you were able to experience with Max during his career?

Unluckily, I was a silent player. Because I’ve always avoided to talk with my opponents during my career, in order to give not any kind of references to anyone and just be concentrated.

But trust me, I’ve often observed Max while playing, from the tribune, from the field, from internet… because I was always ready to learn some new tricks or ready to be surprised by some on of his famous comebacks.

What was your reaction when you found out that Max wanted to retire?

Wow this was impressive you know, since when I became strong and secure of my place in the national team of Italy, Max was part of all of this. He literally was part of the game. I was already out when he announced, but the news of his retirement sounded weird the same to me.

“Probably without him the tournaments are more boring.”

Paolo – under the aspect of “change”: Max is now President of Swiss Fencing and a new phase of his life is beginning. What do you wish him for the future? And what differences can you see between the Italian Fencing Federation and Swiss Fencing?

I am member of the executive board of my NOC since 2021, and now I am officially candidated in the executive board of the Italian fencing federation. I am sure that Max will be perfectly ready to handle this brand new role and future.

If I will be elected in my federation, I am sure that we will keep in touch for better improve fencing… I mean globally.

Now it is time for innovation. It is time for cheap equipment. It is time for growing in numbers.

Italian federation may be bigger than the Swiss one. But I am pretty sure that we share the same issues and priorities.

It is time for renewal of our fencing environment.

I am sure that Max knows