Italian flags fly in several homes. The five Olympic circles, however, are clearly displayed on the balcony of the Oppo home. All of Oristano is rooting for Stefano Oppo, the rower who yesterday reached the final in the men's lightweight doubles at the Paris Olympics.

In the stands of Vaires-sur-Marne, a stadium-sized cheer: to encourage the policeman and his teammate Gabriel Soares, who finished the semi-final in first place in 6'22"85, ahead of Greece and Norway, many relatives and friends who arrived from Oristano in recent days.

The parents and others left on board a minibus made available by the Oristano nautical club where Stefano Oppo often trains. Led by president Gian Marco Patta. Stefano Oppo's first coach, Antonio Marras, was also present in Paris.

The final of the lightweight doubles is scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, at 12. The Italians will also find Ireland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, the top three in the other semi-final.

Stefano Oppo, 29 years old, is in his third participation in the Olympics. Three years ago, in Tokyo, he won the bronze medal with Pietro Ruta.

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