As the Olympic Games in Italy approach their conclusion, the head of the public broadcaster Rai Sport, Paolo Petrecca, has been prohibited from commentating the closing ceremony after a disastrous performance during the opening ceremony. His commentary was riddled with mistakes, leading to widespread criticism and embarrassment for the broadcaster and igniting discussions across Italy about the quality of sports journalism and broadcasting standards.

Petrecca’s poor performance has become a notable topic of discussion, eliciting responses from various sectors, including a harsh rebuke from the Rai employees' union, which labeled the incident as a 'blamage' (embarrassment). The severity of the criticism has led to numerous calls for accountability within the public broadcasting organization and raised questions about Petrecca's continued position despite the backlash. His vice chief has been appointed to take over commentary duties for the closing ceremony, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the implications for Rai Sport's reputation.

This incident may have wider ramifications for Rai Sport, as it underscores the crucial role that broadcast commentary plays in the overall viewer experience during significant events like the Olympics. The backlash received indicates that the audience holds high expectations for professionals in such roles, and failure to meet these expectations can result in immediate and significant consequences, including changes in leadership or personnel.