Overview
- President Sergio Mattarella opened the relay by igniting the ceremonial cauldron and calling for the renewal of the Olympic Truce.
- IOC President Kirsty Coventry attended the Quirinale event, praising Italy’s passion as the Frecce Tricolori performed a flyover before assembled national leaders.
- The torch relay is scheduled to start Saturday at Rome’s Stadio dei Marmi and will run for 60 days across every Italian province.
- Swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri will serve as the first torchbearer in Italy, with Elisa Di Francisca, Gianmarco “Gimbo” Tamberi and Achille Polonara among those taking part.
- Organizing chief Giovanni Malagò said the flame is due to reach Milan on 6 February and noted the Games’ preparations remain complex and ongoing.