Italy Eyes Alpine Glory: Goggia Leads Charge at Milano Cortina 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are heating up, with Italy pinning its hopes on alpine skiing star Sofia Goggia. Following a bronze medal in the downhill event, Goggia is set to team up with Lara Della Mea in the combined event, a pairing that represents Italy’s strongest chance for a medal in the team competition.
Team Composition and Olympic Debut
Italy will field four teams in the women’s combined event. Alongside Goggia and Della Mea, Laura Pirovano will partner with Martina Peterlini, while the Delago sisters – Nicol and Nadia – will race with Anna Trocker and Giada D’Antonio respectively. For Trocker and D’Antonio, this marks their Olympic debut, representing the next generation of Italian alpine skiing.
A Challenging Road to the Podium
The competition is fierce. The United States, with Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin, are considered strong favorites, having previously won gold at the 2025 World Championships. Other teams to watch include Austria (Cornelia Huetter and Katharina Truppe) and Germany (Weidle-Aicher). Italy will need a strong performance in both the downhill and slalom portions to contend for a medal.
Beyond Combined: Super-G and Giant Slalom
The focus extends beyond the combined event. Italy is also looking to Giovanni Franzoni in the men’s Super-G, where he recently secured his first World Cup victory. Veteran Dominik Paris will also compete, marking what is expected to be his final Olympic appearance. Sofia Goggia will also compete in the Super-G, hoping to build on her World Cup win in Val d’Isère.
The Importance of Slalom
Recent results highlight the critical role of slalom in the combined event. The ability to produce up time in the slalom portion can be decisive, as demonstrated in the men’s combined event. Italy’s success will depend on strong slalom performances from Della Mea and other team members.
Young Talent Takes Center Stage
The inclusion of 16 and 17-year-old skiers, Giada D’Antonio and Anna Trocker, signals a commitment to developing young talent within the Italian alpine skiing program. Their participation provides valuable experience and represents the future of the sport in Italy.
FAQ
Q: Who are Italy’s key competitors in the women’s combined event?
A: The United States (Johnson/Shiffrin), Austria (Huetter/Truppe), and Germany (Weidle-Aicher) are considered strong contenders.
Q: What is the significance of the combined event?
A: The combined event tests skiers’ versatility in both downhill and slalom, requiring a well-rounded skillset.
Q: Who is expected to perform well in the men’s Super-G?
A: Giovanni Franzoni, fresh off a World Cup victory in the event, is a strong contender for Italy.
Q: What does this Olympics mean for Dominik Paris?
A: What we have is expected to be his last Olympic Games.
Did you know? The combined event was introduced to the Olympic program by the FIS for the first time at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the slalom portion of the combined event – it’s often where significant time gains (or losses) are made.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue! Explore more articles on alpine skiing and the Olympic Games on our website.
