Matteo Salvini, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister, recently made a visit to the Olympic Village in Milan, which is now fully operational. During his tour, he greeted athletes and inspected various amenities including the gym and dining facilities, emphasizing that this site will transition to accommodate 1,700 university students at subsidized rates starting from the next academic year, ranging from 600 to 800 euros per month. Salvini portrayed the Olympic Village not only as an immediate success but as a significant legacy for future students.

He reflected on the history of the area, recalling that the Romana district, where the Olympic Village is situated, was once notorious for issues like drug dealing, robbery, and prostitution. Salvini expressed pride in the transformation of this space into a vibrant community that will serve as a long-term asset for Milan. He dismissed previous criticisms of the Olympic Village's cost and appearance, asserting its importance as a feature of the city's landscape for the next 50 years.

Salvini's remarks highlight the broader implications for urban planning in Milan, suggesting a need for clear communication and vision from city leadership regarding investments in infrastructure and community development. The successful metamorphosis of the Olympic Village could serve as a blueprint for future urban initiatives, potentially alleviating concerns associated with urban decay and revitalization efforts in other areas of the city.