They arrived back in Italy with a reception held at the Cuirassiers del Quirinale in Rome.

Italy won 28 Paralympic medals, nine of them gold, at London 2012, to finish 13th overall. 

Their most successful event was the road cycling, where they claimed four golds, two of which were won by the former Formula One star Alex Zanardi.

It was a huge improvement from four years' previously in Beijing, when Italy won four gold medals and took home 18 in total.

"One certainty I have [is that]...many Italians are passionate about these extraordinary athletes, their stories and their victories," said Pancalli.

"[They] showed the face of Italian sport that is not only competitive, but also a social rehabilitator.

"Through them we give the country a completely different image of disability."

Alex Zanardi celebrates with his gold medal after winning the men's individual H4 road race at London 2012

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano added his praise for the athletes, saying: "Thanks to all who made the delegation with their energy and passion.

"From them we received a lot of life lessons, morals and all of Italy has understood this."

Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Gianni Petrucci added his praise for all of the country's athletes who went to London, commenting: "These athletes demonstrate that with sacrifice and passion you can get great results."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2012: Zanardi wins second handcycle gold
September 2012: Former F1 ace Zanardi claims Paralympic gold medal at Brands Hatch