Italy’s Curling Duo and Figure Skating Teams Shine at Milan Cortina 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are underway, with early competitions delivering exciting moments for the host nation. Italy’s Olympic mixed doubles curling champions, Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, secured a decisive victory over Switzerland, bouncing back from a previous loss to Canada. Simultaneously, Italian figure skaters are making their mark in the team event.
Curling: A Resurgent Performance for Constantini and Mosaner
Following a challenging start with a 7-2 defeat against Canada, Constantini and Mosaner demonstrated resilience with a 12-4 win against Switzerland. This victory is crucial as they prepare to face Estonia later today. The round robin stage is proving competitive, with only the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
The pair, who previously won gold at Beijing 2022, are competing on home ice, a factor they’ve described as incredibly special and emotionally charged. Their performance is also expected to boost the popularity of mixed doubles curling within Italy.
Figure Skating: Team Event Underway
Italy’s figure skating teams are also competing in the team event. Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri performed well in the rhythm dance, contributing to Italy’s current fifth-place standing. Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii followed with a strong performance, scoring 76.75 in their segment of the competition.
The team event is a multi-day competition, and Italy will be looking to climb the ranks with continued strong performances.
The Significance of Home Advantage
Competing on home soil provides a unique advantage for Italian athletes. The enthusiastic support of local fans and familiarity with the venues contribute to a heightened sense of motivation and performance. Constantini, who hails from Cortina, emphasized the importance of this home advantage, stating it will be an “unforgettable” experience.
Looking Ahead: Italy’s Olympic Ambitions
Italy is aiming for a strong showing at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The early successes of the curling and figure skating teams set a positive tone for the remainder of the games. Amos Mosaner will also have the honor of being one of the four flagbearers for Italy during the opening ceremony, and Constantini will read the Olympic Oath.
