In Pontida, the farewell to Umberto Bossi: banner "W Bossi" and Salvini protested.

A life without freedom is not a life. W Bossi. This is the large white banner with green writing that appears on a bridge at the entrance of Pontida, where at noon the funeral of Umberto Bossi, the leader of the League who passed away at 84, will take place.

Hundreds of militants are already arriving at the abbey of San Giacomo where the celebration will be held. Many are wearing green scarves with the sun of the Alps, but there are also those who wear red flags with the yellow lion of San Marco in the middle. The square of the abbey is fenced off, a big screen has been set up in the adjacent area to allow all militants to follow the ceremony, given that there are only 400 seats in the church, some reserved for family and top authorities. In fact, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be attending the ceremony.

“Bossi has been my idol since I was a child - explains Alessio, who at 28 is an assessor in a municipality in the province of Venice and coordinates the League youth in the area -. He is the reason I do politics, I decided to get involved after watching one of his speeches from Pontida. I heard him speak and his charisma captivated me; I got my first League membership card at 15. I couldn't miss this, a true leghista is present today to say thank you to Umberto.”

Among those present is also former European parliamentarian Mario Borghezio, also wearing a green scarf around his neck. “This is my statement today, only with Bossi,” he said.

“Take off the green shirt, shame on you.” This is what some militants from the Popular Party for the North, promoted by Roberto Castelli, shouted at Matteo Salvini.

Indeed, the leader of the League showed up at the funeral of Umberto Bossi, wearing a green shirt.

As Salvini climbed the steps of the abbey, some militants present in the square chanted, “Bossi, Bossi”.

Some also shouted “shame”.