(ANSA) - ROME, 09 LUG - Italy's support for Ukraine remains firm, President Sergio Mattarella told President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome Wednesday. "Welcome to this palace: it is a great pleasure to meet you again to reaffirm our great friendship and Italy's full support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine," said Mattarella upon receiving Zelensky at the Quirinale Palace. The Italian head of state expressed Italy's "most intense and concrete support. "Our position is and remains absolutely firm, and I would like to express our admiration for the behavior of the Ukrainian people, which strengthens our conviction of full support and admiration for your country." (ANSA).