The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Verona concluded Sunday evening, marking the conclude of a Games that overcame logistical challenges and initial skepticism to deliver a largely successful event. The ceremony, held in the ancient Verona Arena, was a more subdued affair than the spectacular opening at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, which featured operatic performances and a speech from actress Charlize Theron invoking the words of Nelson Mandela and calling for world peace.
The Games, hosted across northern Italy including Livigno where Australia secured a record six medals, were initially met with concerns regarding the rapid completion of venues, notably the ice hockey stadium, and the decentralised nature of the event. However, organisers maintained that the diversity of locations added to the allure and drama of the competition. The Games were punctuated by notable moments, including a crash involving American skier Lindsey Vonn during her comeback attempt, and a surprising ice hockey victory for the United States over Canada.
Australia’s flag bearers, medallists Danielle Scott (silver in aerial skiing) and Cooper Woods (gold in men’s snowboard cross), received a police escort from Livigno to Verona for the closing ceremony. The ceremony itself featured performances of classic Italian songs, including Jimmy Fontana’s “Il mondo (The World)” performed by Joan Thiele, as well as ballet and a performance by Gabry Ponte of Eiffel 65. Delayed medal presentations for the men’s and women’s 50km classic cross country skiing were also held, honouring athletes from Sweden and Norway.
The decision to stage the AC Milan versus Como Serie A match in Perth, Australia, initially planned for February 8th, was a key element of the broader strategy to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The San Siro Stadium was unavailable due to its hosting of the opening ceremony. However, this plan ultimately fell apart, with the match now expected to be played in Italy, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The cancellation stemmed from stringent conditions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation and Football Australia, including a prohibition on advertising the match as a Serie A fixture and a requirement for AFC referees.
The failed attempt to host a Serie A match in Australia followed a UEFA decision to “reluctantly” approve the staging of La Liga and Serie A matches in the United States and Australia respectively, despite protests from European supporters groups. UEFA reiterated its opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country, but ultimately found no regulatory basis within FIFA statutes to block the moves. The Serie A match between AC Milan and Como was intended to be the first major European league game played for points outside of Europe.
Despite the cancellation of the Perth match, the Italian government and Serie A remain committed to exploring opportunities to host international sporting events. WA’s sport minister described the decision as “disappointing, but the right call,” and affirmed the state’s continued commitment to securing world-class events. The closing ceremony in Verona concluded with speeches from organisers and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, bringing to a close a Winter Games that, despite its challenges, was deemed a success.
