European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

Interview with Gianluca Basile, UniSA Director General: “We represent a leading-edge university”

The final verdict can only be given once everything is over, with the definitive assessment coming on Sunday after the Games conclude. However, there are already several key takeaways that cannot be overlooked. EUG Salerno 2026 has, for example, provided clear evidence of the reliability and efficiency of the organizational structure of the University of Salerno. At the helm of this structure for just six months, following the appointment by Rector Virgilio D’Antonio, is Gianluca Basile, Director General of UNISA. Upon assuming this prestigious role, Basile was immediately immersed in the sophisticated organizational machinery of an event that has brought together almost 4,000 athletes and around 1,000 team officials, referees, commissioners, and EUSA staff. In short, it has been a highly complex and delicate mission.

“It is true that it is not yet time to draw final conclusions, as there are still a few days of competition left before the Games come to an end. Nevertheless, in certain respects, we can already be satisfied. I am referring to the work carried out by our administrative staff, who had never before been involved in organizing an event of this magnitude, yet proved to be fully committed, highly engaged, and extremely effective. The response provided by our organization, which was entrusted with and made responsible for the planning and delivery of the Games, has been exemplary, and for this I sincerely want to thank everyone.”

The University has passed this test with flying colors. Now, the only thing left is the closing ceremony, scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Piazza del Sapere on the University campus, during which the EUSA Games flag will be officially handed over to the University of Split in Croatia.

“We are currently focused on organizing the final event, the closing ceremony, which will follow an especially demanding day featuring numerous finals (eight in total) taking place across the various competition venues. As tradition dictates, it will be an evening of celebration. While it will be less elaborate than the spectacular opening ceremony held in Piazza della Libertà – an event that will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of all participants – it will be no less captivating. There will be plenty to see and enjoy, fully reflecting the spirit of the EUSA Games.”

Once the Games have officially come to an end, what legacy will they leave for the University, the city of Salerno, and the wider region?

“Above all they will leave behind the image of a modern, forward-looking university, capable of competing in every respect with Europe’s leading higher education institutions. Our campus and our organizational model have demonstrated their reliability and excellence to everyone. In terms of both our international image and our academic offering, we have nothing to fear from comparison with any other university. This is not only our own conviction, but also the opinion of those who have experienced our campus firsthand. That should make us proud, because we represent a genuine European center of excellence. We should also not overlook the lasting legacy that the Games leave to the local community: the extensive investment in the renovation and modernization of our sports facilities, the many businesses from the Salerno area that were involved in the event, and the positive economic impact generated by the presence of so many young people throughout the Games. Above all, however, there is one legacy whose value cannot yet be fully measured but is truly priceless: the extraordinary appeal that Salerno has generated, at every level and in every field, in the eyes of Europe’s young people.”