President Sergio Mattarella said Sofia Goggia's victory in Sunday's SuperG World Cup race at Val d'Isere bodes well for Italy's hopes of medals at Milano Cortina 2026 on Monday as he handed over the tricolour to the nation's flag-bearers for Winter Olympics opening ceremonies on February 6.
    "I just handed the flags over to the standard-bearers," Mattarella said.
    "I'm sure that all the athletes will bring honour to Italy with your conduct, your results, and your achievements.
    "It was a good start with Sofia Goggia at the Super-G in Val d'Isere.
    "What you do, through your sporting conduct and the results you achieve, will have a profound impact on our country.
    "Thank you for your commitment and for what you will do".
    Sunday's was 27th World Cup triumph of Goggia's career, her first this season and her eighth in the SuperG..
    The 33-year-old from Bergamo was the first Italian woman to win Olympic downhill gold in 2018.

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