[2] He received a bachelor's degree in economics and commerce from Bocconi University.

[1] In early 1980s Mazzotta together with other reformist DC politicians protested over the factional politics in the DC and Italy's general political passivity.

[3] He was a candidate for the general secretary of the DC during this period, but he did not won the election.

[2] From 1986 Mazzotta worked at various banks, including Cariplo, Banca Popolare di Milano and Mediocredito Italiano.

[1][5] He was the first president of the board of directors of the Foundation Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice which he held between 1993 and 1997.