From the stage of EURO 2025 to the Olympic spotlight: Milan Cortina 2026 has announced the new torchbearers who will accompany the Olympic Torch on its symbolic journey to the Winter Games, and representing the Women’s National Team will be Andrea Soncin and Cristiana Girelli.

Exactly one month before the Torch begins its voyage (starting on Wednesday 26 November with the traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece) a group of outstanding figures was unveiled this morning. Among them are the Italy coach and captain, two leading figures in the women’s game whose passion, talent, and dedication continue to drive the sport’s rapid growth and increasing prominence in Italian sport.

“Representing the Women’s National Team on the Olympic Torch’s journey is a great privilege,” said Soncin. “It’s an honour to be part of the path of one of the most iconic symbols in sport – one that for over a century has united people, cultures, and communities.”

Girelli shared her enthusiasm: “I’m truly proud to carry the Torch for the most important sporting event there is. Milan Cortina 2026 will place Italy at the centre of the world.”

THE JOURNEY OF THE OLYMPIC TORCH

The Olympic Torch will travel for 63 days, linking 60 host cities across a 12,000-kilometre route that will pass through all 110 provinces of Italy. The journey begins on Wednesday 26 November in Olympia, before arriving in Rome on Thursday 4 December, where it will officially begin its Italian route two days later.

The Torch will reach Naples on 23 December, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bari, and on Monday 26 January 2026 return to Cortina d’Ampezzo, exactly 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games Opening Ceremony. It will complete its journey in Milan, entering San Siro Stadium on Friday 6 February 2026, the night of the Opening Ceremony.

The route has been designed to celebrate Italy’s vast historical and cultural heritage, as the country with the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

KEY DATES

  • 26 November 2025: Torch lighting ceremony in Olympia
  • 4 December 2025: Handover in Athens and arrival in Rome
  • 6 December 2025: Official start of the Olympic Torch’s Italian journey in Rome
  • 23 December 2025: Arrival in Naples
  • 31 December 2025: New Year’s Eve in Bari
  • 26 January 2026: Arrival in Cortina, marking 70 years since the 1956 Winter Games Opening Ceremony
  • 6 February 2026: Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics at San Siro