Italy's Defence Chief of Staff has issued an order, according to which, the shout of 'Sì' (Yes) at the end of a rendition of the national anthem should no longer take place at "military events and ceremonies of institutional importance".
    'Sì' is traditionally yelled at the end of a rendition of the anthem following the words of the chorus - 'Siam pronti alla morte, l'Italia chiamò', meaning 'We are ready for death, Italy has called'.
    The Chief of Staff document calling for its elimination is in compliance with a president's decree of March 14 detailing how the national anthem should be performed and approved by Premier Giorgia Meloni's office.
    When the anthem was played at a Christmas event at the premier's office on Tuesday, Meloni and her office's staff shouted 'sì' at the end of the anthem but members of the national association for Italy's crack Alpine regiment did not, having apparently taken on the new rules already.
    The change is unlikely to stop the 'Sì' being shouted when the anthem is belted out at sporting events.

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