The Meloni government has initiated proceedings to grant Italian citizenship “for special merits” to Gerry Cardinale, the American financier whose RedBird Capital Partners acquired AC Milan in 2022.

The decision, announced after Wednesday evening’s Cabinet meeting, was proposed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, with the support of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

According to a statement from Palazzo Chigi, Cardinale “has given a strong boost to initiatives promoting solidarity and social inclusion through sport, particularly benefiting young people in vulnerable or marginal conditions.”

The final approval for the citizenship grant now rests with President Sergio Mattarella.