The men's 4x7.5 km biathlon relay at Anterselva was marked by disappointment for the Italian team, which finished in 14th place—over 4 minutes behind the leaders. Facing a supportive crowd of 20,000, the team could not deliver despite high expectations, primarily due to mishaps in the preparation of their equipment. The heavy snowfall created challenging conditions, and as the Italian athletes struggled, the dominance of the French team and competition for the third place became apparent as other nations vied to improve their standings.

The performance of the Italian team has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the technical aspects of their material preparation, which had been a point of focus leading into the race. In interviews, team members expressed their frustration, noting the rigors of their preparation work and the reality that mistakes can happen, often impacting race outcomes significantly. This detrimental result at home puts further pressure on the coaching and support staff to refine their processes moving forward.

Looking ahead, today's race will be pivotal for the women's team, although Rebecca Passler, who has been at the center of a prior doping controversy (Letrozolo-Nutella), is set not to compete, which raises questions about the depth and strength of the Italian team. As the women take to the course, it will be crucial to see if they can rebound from the men's disappointing finish and demonstrate a more effective performance amidst the pressures of international competition.