Germany defeated France in a penalty shootout at the Women’s European Championship on Friday, February 13, 2026, according to reports from sportschau.de. The victory has sparked discussion in the German press, with sportschau.de reporting that goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger has been lauded for her performance.
While the sporting world focused on the pitch, a different kind of cultural clash was playing out in the accommodations provided to athletes and media attending the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Reports circulating on social media revealed confusion and amusement surrounding the presence of bidets in bathrooms, a common fixture in Italian homes but a novelty for many international visitors.
Videos shared online showed individuals questioning the purpose of the low-set fixtures, with some jokingly suggesting uses ranging from cooling drinks to washing clothes. The unfamiliarity with bidets highlights a significant difference in hygiene practices between Italy and many other countries, particularly the United States, where toilet paper remains the dominant method of post-toilet cleaning.
Statistics reveal a stark contrast in toilet paper consumption. A 2018 study indicated that Italians use an estimated 70 rolls of toilet paper per person annually, compared to 71 in France. However, consumption rises dramatically in countries without widespread bidet use, reaching 127 rolls in the United Kingdom, 134 in Germany, and a staggering 141 rolls in the United States.
The practice of washing with water after using the toilet is commonplace in many parts of the world, including Asia and Muslim countries. In Japan, the proper technique for using a bidet is even demonstrated in museums. This contrasts sharply with the reliance on toilet paper in Western nations, where bidets are often seen as a luxury or an oddity.
The growing awareness of the bidet’s benefits is not limited to Olympic visitors. New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani recently announced plans to equip all toilets in his office with bidets, a move that was celebrated in Italy but met with bemusement in the United States. German publication Die Zeit noted the announcement prompted a “strange feeling” about the mayor’s personal hygiene habits.
The bidet industry has responded to increasing demand with advanced “washlet” models featuring heated seats, warm air dryers, adjustable water temperature and pressure, and even deodorizers. These high-tech options can cost several thousand euros, but the traditional bidet remains a cost-effective and hygienic alternative to excessive toilet paper use.
Despite the availability of advanced technology, the simple bidet continues to thrive in Italy, often prompting curiosity and amusement from visitors unfamiliar with its function. As the Olympic Games progress, the bidet may serve as an unexpected symbol of cultural exchange, prompting a broader conversation about hygiene practices and environmental sustainability.