Manager: Be like Napoleon at Waterloo

MILAN, Italy, April 8 (UPI) -- An official with an Italian telecommunications company apologized after urging staffers at a conference to use Napoleon's "victory" at Waterloo as inspiration.

Luca Luciani, general manager of domestic mobile services with Telecom Italia, gave a speech that was later posted on YouTube that encouraged the company's workers to take inspiration from French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's leadership during the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, ANSA reported Tuesday.

Luciani seemed unaware during his speech that Napoleon's forces suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of British and Prussian forces.

"He had five great nations against him ... but with strategy, clear ideas, determination and strength, Napoleon made Waterloo his masterpiece," Luciani said.

"Go ahead and score like Napoleon at Waterloo," he told the salesmen in attendance.

However, the manager later admitted to his mistaken view of history and apologized for the gaffe.

''I recognize that I made a mistake and apologize to you all,'' he said Monday.