Luca Zaia, the former governor of the Veneto region, highlighted the significance of the recent successes of the Milan-Cortina Olympic bid, stating that these games represent the realization of a dream for both the region and the country. Responding during his travel towards the Arena di Verona, Zaia emphasized that these Olympics present a tremendous opportunity for Italy, noting the importance of rallying the entire nation for future events.

Zaia's remarks come in the context of ongoing debates about the skepticism surrounding large-scale events like the Olympics. He suggested that the successful execution of these games should serve as a counterpoint to doubts about their value, hinting at the need for renewed confidence in Italy's capacity to host such significant international occasions. In a curious turn, he even proposed that a monument should be erected in honor of Virginia Raggi, the former mayor of Rome, for her decision not to pursue a bid for hosting these Olympics, indicating the complex dynamics of public opinion and political will in relation to major sporting events.

This commentary by Zaia sheds light on the broader implications of hosting the Olympics for Italy, not only in terms of economic benefits but also as a means of fostering national pride and unity. His vision for an inclusive approach, where all parts of Italy contribute to and take pride in future endeavors, reflects a growing sentiment among Italian leaders about the power of sports to unite diverse regions under a common goal. The discussion around Raggi's decision also underlines the political challenges faced when planning for such large undertakings, pointing to the delicate balance between ambition and public sentiment.