The Olympics on Home Soil and the Italian Team’s Goals: Setting Our Sights on a Dream Edition Like Lillehammer 1994

Twenty Italian medals, just like at the record-breaking 1994 Lillehammer Olympics—though back then there were 61 events, compared to 116 in Milan-Cortina. The ItaliaTeam’s goal is ambitious, but within reach for an Italian squad that many—even among experts—consider the strongest ever, ready to capitalize on “home-field advantage” just as they did twenty years ago in Turin. From Arianna Fontana to Federico Pellegrino, including Sofia Goggia and Michela Moioli: these are familiar names, ready to write new chapters in the history of Italian sports.

Let’s start with alpine skiing. For Dominik Paris and Sofia Goggia, the race courses in Bormio and Cortina, respectively, have long been their favorites in terms of the number of victories. The 36-year-old from Val d’Ultimo has won six downhill races and one super-G on the Stelvio course, while the 33-year-old from Bergamo has already racked up four downhill victories on the Olimpia delle Tofane. Both made the podium in the last World Cup stop and represent the most concrete hope for a medal at the Games. Another favorable course could be the one at the Forum in Assago, where Arianna Fontana will be aiming for her twelfth Olympic podium finish in short track—a symbol of a team that also has Pietro Sighel as another strong medal contender. At Rho Fiera, on the long track, world champions Davide Ghiotto (10,000) and Andrea Giovannini (Mass Start)—who will also team up in the team pursuit—along with Francesca Lollobrigida (Mass Start), have excellent chances of reaching the podium.

Snowboarding and tricks—  In Livigno, too, there are many ambitions, starting with snowboarding. Michela Moioli, the historic first Italian gold medalist at PyeongChang 2018, knows this well; she dreams of repeating that feat after returning to the world’s elite, including in the mixed event with Lorenzo Sommariva. Forty-five-year-old Roland Fischnaller, competing in his seventh Olympics, is the symbol of a team that could dominate the parallel giant slalom with Bormolini, Felicelli, and March. Eighteen-year-old Flora Tabanelli, who made a last-minute recovery from a nagging knee injury, hopes to reach the top. If she’s healthy, she can defend her world title in Big Air. Simone Deromedis and Jole Galli—who will be competing on home snow—are also fresh off World Cup victories and could truly work wonders. The same goes for 27-year-old Giulia Murada from Valtellina, who arrives at the Games with three podium finishes in three sprint races: a medal to mark the debut of ski mountaineering would be the ultimate achievement.

in the spotlight—  In Anterselva, Dorothea Wierer takes the stage for her final performance: alongside Lisa Vittozzi, they’ll aim for precision in the biathlon sprint and pursuit—the same terrain as Tommaso Giacomel, who, midway through a season as an absolute standout, could achieve the most important result of his career. In Cortina, Olympic and world champions in mixed doubles curling, Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, will aim to strike gold again following their historic feat at Beijing 2022. Italy’s flag-bearer will also be competing with the team. In cross-country skiing, Federico Pellegrino deserves a mention as well, having reached the final major event of his career. His dream is to win a medal to celebrate as a pair, perhaps in the freestyle team sprint with Elia Barp following their excellent performances in the World Cup.
What a team—  And speaking of teams, in addition to the aforementioned mixed pairs in snowboarding and curling, keep an eye on what the Italian relay teams can accomplish—such as the mixed and men’s short track relays, bolstered by Thomas Nadalini, and the biathlon relays, enhanced by the presence of two-time Olympic bronze medalist Lukas Hofer. Once again, the challenge will come from France and Norway. Finally, in cross-country skiing, the 4×7.5-kilometer relay is perhaps the event the Italian team has prepared for most meticulously. More than just a dream—as the bookmakers also emphasize—Italy has a real chance, which hinges first and foremost on alpine skiing: if Paris in the downhill on February 7 and Goggia the following day get off on the right foot, then the rest of the team as well… …and the Lillehammer record, at that point, after thirty-two years, might truly have its days numbered.