Overview
- President Sergio Mattarella received Carlo Conti, Laura Pausini and the 2026 artists at the Quirinale for the first time in the festival’s history.
- Mattarella highlighted Sanremo’s broad reach and relevance, calling it part of Italy’s cultural heritage and noting its strong audience and industry impact.
- Carlo Conti said artistic directors have absolute carte blanche and denied any government interference in his selections.
- Conti took responsibility for inviting comedian Andrea Pucci, called the nude announcement photo a prank, and acknowledged the ensuing backlash and withdrawal.
- Conti outlined plans for a Pippo Baudo tribute and floated bringing recent Olympic medalists onstage, while suggesting this fifth Sanremo may be his last as director.