The Milano-Cortina 2026 torch relay arrived in Naples on December 22 amidst heavy rain, marking the final lap before a festive Christmas pause. Thousands lined the streets of Piazza del Plebiscito to catch a glimpse of the flame before it takes a two-day break.
Earlier this week, stage 18 of the relay traced a path through Campania's rich history. The flame passed through the ruins of Pompeii and wound its way from Torre Annunziata to Naples, stopping in Torre del Greco, Ercolano, Portici and San Giorgio a Cremano along the way.
Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro carried the torch through his hometown. Cannavaro, who began his professional career at Napoli and captained Italy to World Cup victory in 2006, is now head coach of the Uzbekistan national team after previous coaching stints in the Chinese mainland.
On December 26, the torch relay resumes in Latina before heading north toward Milan. By the time the flame reaches San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony on February 6, it will have covered some 12,000 kilometers across all 110 Italian provinces.
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Milano Cortina 2026 torch relay reaches Naples before Christmas
cgtn.com
