The road to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has taken a deeply symbolic step forward in Rome, where Italy officially entrusted its national flag to the athletes who will lead the Azzurri into the opening ceremonies. This handover, held at the Quirinale Palace, is much more than protocol; it is a moment that blends sport, national pride, and the promise of an unforgettable Olympic edition that will stretch from the Alpine peaks down to Italy’s coasts—including the sun-soaked allure of the Italian Riviera.
Italy’s Olympic Spirit Takes Center Stage at the Quirinale
Inside the presidential palace in Rome, President Sergio Mattarella presided over a ceremony that marks the emotional beginning of every Games: the official presentation of the national flags to the chosen flag bearers. This ritual connects Italy’s Olympic past to its future, and in 2026, that future is firmly rooted in home soil with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo sharing hosting duties.
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For Italy, the Winter Olympics are not just about competition; they are a showcase of identity, landscape, and hospitality. From the fashion capital of Milan to the historic slopes of Cortina, the world will be invited to experience an Italy that goes far beyond the clichés of sun and sea—though those will always be waiting for travelers before and after the Games.
The Four Flag Bearers: Icons of Italian Winter Sport
President Mattarella honored four standout athletes who will carry the tricolore during the opening festivities. Each represents a different discipline and a different corner of Italy’s rich winter sports culture, yet all share a common thread of resilience and excellence.
The selected flag bearers are:
Fontana and Pellegrino will lead the Italian team at the main opening ceremony inside Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium on February 6. At the same time, Brignone and Mosaner will carry the flag at a simultaneous ceremony in Cortina d’Ampezzo, reflecting the dual heart of these Games.
Arianna Fontana: The Queen of Italian Winter Sport
Arianna Fontana stands as one of the most decorated athletes in Italian history, with an extraordinary total of 11 Olympic medals across five Winter Games, beginning with Turin 2006. That tally is a national women’s record and a testament to her longevity, consistency, and sheer competitive fire.
Fontana has already experienced the powerful emotions of leading her country as flag bearer at the Pyeongchang 2018 opening ceremony. She has described the honor as uniquely moving, an experience that never loses its intensity no matter how many medals she accumulates.
Her presence at San Siro in 2026 will bridge twenty years of Olympic history, from Turin to Milan.
Federico Pellegrino’s Nordic Legacy
Alongside Fontana at San Siro will be Federico Pellegrino, a cross-country skier whose name has become synonymous with Italian endurance on snow. Pellegrino boasts two Olympic silver medals, and his inclusion as flag bearer confirms his status as one of the pillars of the national team.
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In a sport dominated traditionally by Nordic nations, Pellegrino’s success carries a special weight. He has helped redefine Italy’s role in cross-country skiing, turning the country into a credible contender in events once considered the preserve of Scandinavia and Russia.
Federica Brignone and Amos Mosaner: Cortina’s Standard-Bearers
In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the second heart of the opening celebrations, Federica Brignone and Amos Mosaner will lead the way. This mountain town, already synonymous with winter glamour and the 1956 Winter Olympics, will once again step into the global spotlight.
Brignone, reigning overall World Cup champion, is one of the brightest stars in Alpine skiing. Her Olympic résumé includes one silver and two bronze medals, and she is fighting her way back from a serious injury to be in peak form for 2026.
Her story is quintessentially Italian: a blend of artistry, grit, and a refusal to yield.
Mosaner arrives as a reigning Olympic champion, having captured mixed doubles curling gold with Stefania Constantini at the Beijing 2022 Games. Curling may still be a relatively young passion in Italy, but Mosaner’s triumph accelerated a surge of interest, turning a once-niche discipline into prime-time television and inspiring a new generation of players.
Honoring Paralympic Excellence: Chiara Mazzel and René De Silvestro
The ceremony in Rome also shone a spotlight on Paralympic excellence, with Chiara Mazzel and René De Silvestro receiving recognition as Paralympic flag bearers. Their presence reinforces the inclusive vision of Milan-Cortina 2026, which aims to celebrate sport in all its forms and athletes of all abilities.
In recent years, Paralympic athletes have become central figures in Italy’s sporting narrative, and their role at the Games will be a key element of the country’s message to the world: performance, dignity, and accessibility go hand in hand.
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From Alpine Peaks to the Ligurian Sea: Why Travelers Should Look to the Italian Riviera
As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics draw global attention to Italy’s northern mountains, savvy travelers will find this the perfect moment to plan a journey that combines the drama of the Alps with the relaxed charm of the Italian coast.
After days of Olympic excitement, there are few better ways to unwind than by heading south to the Italian Riviera, where the Ligurian Sea meets pastel towns and terraced hillsides.
Within easy reach of Milan, you can trade skis for sea views in Genoa, the historic maritime powerhouse that anchors the Riviera.
Venture east to the celebrated Cinque Terre, exploring Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each village clinging dramatically to the cliffs.
Further along the coast, the elegance of Portofino and the belle-époque charm of Santa Margherita Ligure offer a glamorous contrast to the rugged peaks of Cortina.
Westward, the colorful streets of Sanremo and the tranquil bay at Finale Ligure provide still more options for post-Games relaxation.
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