Naples, December 23, 2025 – The Olympic Flame, symbolising the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, made a significant stop in Naples yesterday, December 23, 2025. The torch relay commenced its journey from the Scampia district and concluded triumphantly in the iconic Piazza Plebiscito, where former football star Fabio Cannavaro had the honour of lighting the Olympic brazier amidst a celebratory atmosphere.
Journey of the Olympic Flame Through Neapolitan Districts
The flame’s passage through Naples was a meticulously planned event, engaging various communities across the city and its surrounding areas. The relay began in Scampia, a district chosen to highlight themes of regeneration and community spirit. From there, it traversed through several key locations, allowing numerous residents to witness this historic moment.
Reports from local media, including Napoli Today and Ottopagine.it, detailed the route, which included areas such as Torre Annunziata, Torre del Greco, Ercolano, Portici, and San Giorgio a Cremano, before reaching the heart of Naples. The selection of these locations underscored the inclusive nature of the Olympic spirit, bringing the excitement of the upcoming games to a broad spectrum of the Neapolitan populace.
Distinguished Torchbearers and Public Participation
A host of prominent figures and local heroes participated as torchbearers, adding to the prestige and local relevance of the event. Among them was Walter Bonanno, CEO of Piemme Spa, who carried the flame through Ercolano, symbolising the blend of local entrepreneurship and global sporting ambition. The presence of such individuals, alongside community representatives, underscored the unifying power of the Olympic movement.
Despite reports of rain, the public turnout was enthusiastic, with crowds gathering along the relay route and in Piazza Plebiscito to witness the spectacle. The culmination of the event saw Fabio Cannavaro, a native of Naples and a World Cup-winning captain, light the brazier, a moment that resonated deeply with the local population, intertwining civic pride with sporting excellence.
The Significance of Naples’ Role in the Olympic Journey
Naples’ inclusion in the Olympic Flame relay for Milano-Cortina 2026 highlights the city’s cultural and historical importance within Italy. The event served not only as a precursor to the Winter Games but also as a celebration of Neapolitan identity and its contribution to national and international events.
The journey from Scampia to Piazza Plebiscito was symbolic, representing a path from urban periphery to the historical core, and reinforcing the idea that the Olympic spirit is accessible to all. The event was widely covered by various media outlets, including Il Mattino, which provided extensive coverage of the flame’s passage and the associated festivities.
Impact and Future Outlook for Milano-Cortina 2026
The successful passage of the Olympic Flame through Naples marks another milestone in the countdown to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Such events are crucial for building anticipation and engaging the public across Italy with the spirit and values of the Olympics.
The organisers of Milano-Cortina 2026 aim to deliver a sustainable and inclusive event, and the Naples leg of the torch relay exemplified these ambitions by connecting with diverse communities and celebrating local heritage. The enthusiasm generated in Naples suggests a strong national backing for the upcoming games, promising a vibrant atmosphere as the event draws closer.
Further details regarding the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games and the ongoing torch relay will continue to be released by the organising committee.
Source: https://www.virgilio.it/italia/napoli/notizielocali/milano_cortina_2026_la_fiamma_olimpica_passa_per_napoli_il_viaggio_da_scampia_a_piazza_plebiscito-76211100.html
