Milan-Cortina, Pellegrino leads the Azzurri to the podium: Italy wins bronze in the cross-country relay
Italy secured a bronze medal in the men's 4x7.5 km cross-country relay at Milan-Cortina 2026, marking the nation's first podium finish in this event since Torino 2006.
At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, Italy earned a splendid bronze medal in the men's 4x7.5 km cross-country relay, a significant achievement as it marked the country's return to the podium in this winter sport since Torino 2006. The standout performance came from the Italian flag bearer Federico Pellegrino, who remarkably closed a gap of twenty seconds on Finnish competitor Anttola in the final stretch, showcasing the strength and determination of the Italian team throughout the race. Pellegrino was supported by his teammates Elia Barp, Martino Carollo, and Davide Graz, each contributing to this historic moment for Italian winter sports.
This bronze medal is Italy's 19th overall in the competition, which includes ten bronze, six gold, and three silver medals, placing the Italian team in second place behind Norway in the medal rankings. The gold medal was claimed by Norway, with the legendary Johannes Klaebo leading the charge to victory, achieving his fourth gold in as many events, further solidifying his legacy in Nordic skiing. Klaebo's potential to win all six events in the current Olympic cycle remains a possibility, a feat that would etch his name in the annals of winter sports history as no athlete has ever accomplished such a level of dominance in the Games.
The success of the Italian team in this event not only boosts national morale but also emphasizes the growing competitiveness of winter sports in Italy. With the next major competitions approaching, the sense of accomplishment and the pressure to maintain or even improve their standing will challenge the athletes as they prepare for future events. The spirit and skill displayed at the Olympics are sure to inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue success on the snowy tracks of competition.