After some research done by Italy’s RAI network on TG2 Costume e Società, a ranking of the most popular Italian sports stars has emerged, covering a diversity of sports in results that pleasingly show that soccer is not the focus.

Among the men, rower Antonio Rossi comes in at fifth position. Rossi is certainly a choice for the ladies, and this hot Italian sports star is seen in the photo, on the right. Italian national football captain Fabio Cannavaro gains fourth spot, while young gun motorcycle star Marco Simoncelli comes in third.

Another Italian football player, Gigi Buffon appears second; whatever your local side leanings are, Buffon is the national team’s goal keeper and it’s hard to measure the affection the Italian public has for him. For a closer look at Italy’s athletes, and the first place honours, see after the jump.

Among the female athletes, in fourth position is Carolina Kostner, while in third place is the much talked-about, sexy Federica Pellegrini. For all the gossip surrounding the Italian swim star, we could have expected more! Veteran Josefa Idem comes in second. The kayaker has participated in seven Olympic games since the start of her career, and is deserving of her place in the public’s esteem.

As you might have guessed already, the pole position for Italy’s favourite sports stars among the men goes to the quirky, affable Valentino Rossi. Not even a tax scandal can keep his impish face out of the number one spot!

The real surprise for the women goes to Valentina Vezzali in first place. The fencing champion for the last ten years gained a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and has become a further favourite with the public after a “Dancing with the stars” appearance on Italian television.

The other surprise is….for once there’s no Francesco Totti in the list!

Source | Tg2

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