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President Mattarella Embarks on Unique Journey to Open Milan Cortina 2026 olympics

Milan, Italy⁣ – February 6, 2026 – In a ⁢surprising and heartwarming prologue to⁢ the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italian President Sergio Mattarella traveled to the Stadio Meazza on a public tram, accompanied by unexpected passengers and driven by ⁢a motorsport legend.

A President among the Peopel

The president’s journey was designed to embody the spirit of the Games and connect with ordinary citizens. Footage released by the Quirinale (the official residence of the ⁤President of Italy) shows Mattarella seated on a tram alongside everyday commuters, as ⁢well as members of the La Scala Theatre Orchestra and athletes carrying skis [1]. This unconventional entrance aimed for a‍ “low profile” approach, emphasizing warmth, familiarity, and a touch of presidential⁢ self-awareness.

Valentino Rossi Takes the Wheel

Adding to the surprise, the tram was driven by none other than Valentino Rossi, the nine-time Grand Prix ‍motorcycle racing world champion. Rossi, ⁢in⁢ full tram conductor uniform, skillfully navigated⁤ the route, culminating in ⁢a kind greeting from the President upon arrival at the Stadio Meazza. The unexpected pairing of the Head of State and the