6 months to Milano Cortina 2026: Athletes share dream pizzas and hopes for the Games

Today (6 September 2025) marks six months until the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Game, and athletes are celebrating the milestone by sharing their dream pizzas. Italian Para athletes and some of the world’s top Para ice hockey players joined in to share their favourite toppings and what excites them most about competing at the Games.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which open on 6 March 2026, will welcome up to 665 athletes from around 50 delegations. They will compete for gold in 79 medal events across six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. 

Milano Cortina 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first Paralympic Winter Games and also see the Games return to Italy for the second time in history, 20 years after Torino 2006.

Beyond pizza, Italian athletes Giacomo Bertagnolli, Gabriele Lanza and Andrea Macri shared their hopes, preparations and the reasons why they are excited about the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics. 

Giacomo Bertagnolli (Para alpine skiing) 

Four-time Paralympic champion Giacomo Bertagnolli is gearing up for his third Winter Games. This time, the stage is set in his own backyard. Living just two hours from the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina, he is preparing to compete on the very mountains that shaped his career. 

“It’s six months to go to Milano Cortina 2026 so we don’t have too much time. I’m trying to stay calm,” the 26-year-old athlete said. “I’m starting to feel that the event is almost here.”

After a brief summer break, Bertagnolli is back on skis this month, feeling more prepared compared to six months before PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022. But with the Games approaching, he says the challenge is not just physical, but it is also emotional. 

“For Milano Cortina, the most difficult part will be keeping my emotions. It’s one of my goals to remain calm and enjoy the Games.”

Here are two things that Bertagnolli is excited about: 

1. Winning and celebrating at home

The eight-time Paralympic medallist says that winning a medal at Milano Cortina 2026 will be more special than any other medals he has claimed so far in his career. 

“I’m at home and I always train here. I feel different skiing here because there are my mountains here,” he said.  

While he has not given thought about his celebration plans yet, he says it will likely involve a “huge party” in the square outside his house, followed by a trip around the world. 

2. More visibility of Para sport

Bertagnolli hopes his performance will help the growth of Para sport in Italy. The Italian star, who was not aware of the Paralympic Games when he was young, wants to inspire the next generation of Paralympians to take up sports. 

“I would like to do great (at Milano Cortina 2026) not just for me, but also for people or kids with disabilities, who want to start competing at the Paralympic Games. That would be a great opportunity.” 

Gabriele Lanza (Para ice hockey) 

Gabriele Lanza is balancing two roles: Para ice hockey player and logistics co-ordinator for the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee. He is one of the three Para ice hockey players working to put on the Games.  

With six months to go, he has noticed the excitement building in Italy. 

“A lot of people started talking about Milano Cortina 2026 because it’s so near,” he said. “I am really excited… I want to understand what it is like to play at a Paralympic Games with all the Italian people in the arena.”

Here are two things that Lanza is excited about: 

1. Para athletes taking Italy by storm

Milano Cortina 2026 promises athletic feats and historic moments, set against the stunning backdrop of Italy’s beautiful landscapes. It promises to be the most breathtaking Paralympic Winter Games yet. 

Even better, Lanza is excited to compete in front of a huge home crowd. After attending Beijing 2022, which took place without spectators because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he is eager to feel the energy of fans at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where eight teams will battle for glory.

He is also looking forward to the “pressure” that comes with competing at home and being in the media spotlight.

2. Pizza in the Paralympic Village?

Lanza is confident that the Italian food served in the Paralympic Village will be one of the highlights for athletes. Will the menu also include the dream pizzas athletes created in the video?

Andrea Macri (Para ice hockey) 

Veteran Para ice hockey player Andrea Macri is preparing for his fifth Paralympic Winter Games while also working as a member of the Organising Committee. 

Having made his Paralympic debut in wheelchair fencing  at London 2012, he knows just how much work goes into competing on the biggest stage.

“There is nothing bigger than the Paralympic Games,” Macri said. “I can’t wait for that moment. It has been a long journey and there’s still a long journey to go.

“It’s a really critical period for us, the Italian team,” he said. “I can’t wait to finally start the Games, be there and join the atmosphere.”

Here are two things that Macri is excited about: 

1. Energy of the Italian public

Macri is looking forward to the enthusiasm of the Italian public, especially the volunteers who have applied to support the Games.

“It will be in Italy, and I love my country. We will have a lot of things to offer. People in Italy, we are counting on their energy.”

2. Lasting legacy of the historic Games

Macri, who works as Legacy Manager for the Organising Committee, has high hopes for the lasting impact of Milano Cortina 2026. From improved accessibility in historic venues to shifting perceptions of disability across the country, he believes the Games will leave a significant legacy.

“This is the opportunity of having the Paralympic Games in our country,” Macri said. “We have a lot of old buildings and infrastructure; this made the challenge bigger. But this shows to the whole world that if we can do it, they can do it.” 

Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games  

Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.

For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org