Consul of Italy in Detroit Allegra Baistrocchi took the opportunity during halftime at Italian Bowl XLIV to bestow the honor of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) to Toledo resident Mr. Louis Tosi.  Mr. Tosi is an attorney, a national leader in environmental law, and a changemaker who helped rewrite Ohio’s environmental statute.  

Consul Baistrocchi noted that “Lou has been integral in celebrating Italy with Toledo and beyond. He’s served on the board of the National Italian American Foundation, supported Italian businesses, built cultural bridges, and championed Italy every step of the way. He is one of the reasons the Italian Bowl is here today.”  Family, friends and other NIAF board members including Gerard LaRocca, Vice Chair of Finance, were there to celebrate Lou as he received this honor.

Consul Baistrocchi explained the significance of this award: “This order of knighthood is awarded by the President of the Italian Republic - Sergio Mattarella himself — as a symbol of gratitude and recognition. It is not simply a medal or a title; it is a tribute to those who, living abroad, have shown extraordinary commitment to the promotion of Italy’s image, culture, and values. The title of Cavaliere, or Knight, within the Order of the Star of Italy, is reserved for individuals whose work has strengthened the ties between  Italy and the rest of the world — particularly in areas like education, culture, language, commerce, and humanitarian efforts.”

The Consulate of Italy in Detroit was honored to actively support the event—not only on game day, but throughout an entire week of cultural, diplomatic, and business engagement, setting the stage for a stronger Italian presence in Toledo.

On the eve of the Bowl, Consul Baistrocchi met with Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz to discuss strategic cultural diplomacy: expanding Italian language programs in schools, fostering business ties, and enhancing cultural programming. These discussions reflect a shared ambition to make Italy’s presence in Toledo not only vibrant, but enduring.

Leading up to game day, the Consulate organized and supported a full schedule of events:

• Community gatherings & networking sessions highlighting Italian entrepreneurs
• Italian‑themed youth football clinic for the kids
• An Italy-US golf tournament
• Collaborations with Italian-American associations to reinforce heritage links

“These efforts demonstrate our vision for Italy in Toledo,” emphasized Consul Baistrocchi. “We came for sport, but we stayed to build—linking education, commerce, and community.”