MILAN — Italy’s state broadcaster Rai faces an unprecedented internal crisis as its sports division journalists have declared protest measures following a series of embarrassing commentary errors during the Milan Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony.
The controversy centers on RaiSport director Paolo Petrecca, whose commentary during Friday’s spectacle triggered widespread embarrassment within the organization. Petrecca’s missteps began with incorrectly identifying the venue as Rome’s Stadio Olimpico rather than Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. The situation deteriorated when he mistakenly identified Italian actress Matilda De Angelis as global superstar Mariah Carey—despite the 25-year age difference between the two performers.
Perhaps the most diplomatically sensitive error occurred when Petrecca misidentified International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry as the daughter of Italian President Sergio Mattarella as they entered the stadium together.
The commentary team’s failures extended to sporting recognition as well. Petrecca apparently failed to identify members of Italy’s world champion volleyball teams during the torch relay segment, referring to five Olympic champions merely as “other torchbearers.”
In response, RaiSport’s editorial committee announced on Monday that all reporters and commentators would withhold their bylines until the conclusion of the Winter Olympics. Additionally, they have planned three days of strikes following the Games’ completion. Their statement expressed collective embarrassment and described the situation as “the worst-ever figure of RaiSport in one of the most eagerly awaited events ever.”
Following an emergency meeting with Rai CEO Giampaolo Rossi on Monday afternoon, the broadcaster confirmed that Petrecca has been removed from the commentary team for the February 22 closing ceremony. Notably, Petrecca hadn’t originally been scheduled to commentate on the opening ceremony but replaced Auro Bulbarelli, who withdrew after prematurely revealing President Mattarella’s surprise arrival via vintage tram driven by former motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi.
The incident has sparked reactions across Italian media and social platforms, with De Angelis humorously captioning her ceremony photos: “Please, call me Mariah.” Italian volleyball captain Simone Giannelli responded with laughing emojis to the commentary mishap involving his team.