The opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games has sparked significant backlash from opposition parties and the Usigrai organization, particularly targeted at Rai Sport's director, Paolo Petrecca. Critics claim that Petrecca and Rai's leadership are responsible for what many are calling a disastrous telecast of the event. They argue that despite the Olympic motto of participation, there are standards to be met, and Rai's performance fell short of expectations, tarnishing the event's reputation.

In a statement from Usigrai, which represents journalists at Rai, it was emphasized that the leadership's failure was not only in the execution of the broadcast but also in failing to recognize the magnitude of the assignment they undertook. Petrecca, who has faced criticism in the past, was assigned to oversee Rai Sport despite previous losses of confidence at his former post, raising questions about Rai’s decision-making in appointing such leadership for a pivotal event like the Olympics.

This criticism comes at a crucial time as the Olympic Games are expected to not only showcase athletic talent but also serve as a platform for national pride. The fallout from this telecast could impact public perception of Rai and its ability to effectively cover significant national events, potentially leading to discussions about changes in management or a reevaluation of their broadcast strategies moving forward.