In a recent interview, former sports journalist Donatella Scarnati expressed her outrage over the commentary provided by Petrecca during the Olympics. Scarnati, who has covered nine editions of the Games and ten World Cups, felt that the quality of the broadcast was deeply disappointing and reflected poorly on both Petrecca’s efforts and the oversight from Rai executives. She recounted a previous experience where former Rai director, Agnes, ensured the quality of live broadcasts, contrasting that with the current situation.

Scarnati's remarks highlight a growing dissatisfaction among seasoned sports journalists regarding the handling of major sporting events by public broadcasting. The commentary by Petrecca was not only seen as lacking in professionalism but also indicative of a broader trend in media management where experienced voices seem to be sidelined. Scarnati’s commitment to high standards in sports journalism emphasizes the importance of quality representation in broadcasting, particularly during significant events like the Olympics.

This commentary comes at a crucial time when public broadcasters worldwide are under scrutiny regarding their performance and the relevance of their programming, especially in light of competition from private networks. The criticism by Scarnati serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with covering esteemed sporting events and the need for broadcasters to maintain high editorial standards, ensuring that audiences receive engaging and accurate commentary.