The grand finale then took place in Mantova, enhanced by the presence of three prominent Mantuan figures: Alberto Bollini, coach of the Italian Under-19 football team, Lucilla Boari, bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020 and Roberto Boninsegna, an icon of the Italian national team and a striker for Inter and Juventus. ​​It was Boninsegna who lit the brazier in Piazza Sordello, a square packed with people under the Ducal Palace, marking the end of a day filled with emotion and participation: “Carrying the Olympic torch was extraordinary.” ​​It felt like being at San Siro, in front of 70,000 spectators, but I was even more excited because all my fellow Mantova citizens were there, applauding and cheering me on. ​​I never thought I could experience such indescribable joy as I did today.
On Tuesday the 20th, the Flame will pass through Nogara, Legnago, Rovigo, Monselice, and Este before arriving in Vicenza. ​​To learn more about the 44th stage, click here.