Gaffe-ridden Olympic commentary prompts Italian TV chief to resign
Paolo Petrecca, whose gaffe-ridden commentary of the event went viral, stands down from his job.
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Notable Quotes
"Petrecca’s resignation from Rai Sport was necessary, but it comes too late."
— Stefano Graziano , Politician
"The show continues with Mariah Carey."
— Paolo Petrecca , Executive
"The event was hosted by Rome's Stadio Olympico."
— Kirsty Coventry , Celebrity
"'Petrecca is the emblem of 'Telemeloni' and of the way the government has favoured political allegiance over merit.'"
— Stefano Graziano , Politician
"The decision was announced after Petrecca met with company CEO Giampaolo Rossi on Feb. 9."
— Giampaolo Rossi , Executive
Key People
Commentator who was replaced by Paolo Petrecca.
Giampaolo Rossi is the CEO of the Italian state-owned network Rai.
Giorgia Meloni is the Premier of Italy.
President of the International Olympic Committee.
Colleague of Paolo Petrecca, set to replace him.
Famous American singer.
Italian actress who was mistakenly introduced as Mariah Carey.
Head of Rai Sport whose commentary during the Olympics went viral.
President of Italy.
Captain of Italy's men's volleyball team.
Sofia Goggia is an Italian skier and final torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Politician with the center-left Democratic party in Italy.
Tags
All Coverage
Paolo Petrecca, whose gaffe-ridden commentary of the event went viral, stands down from his job.
RaiSport chief Paolo Petrecca resigned following a series of blunders during the Milano-Cortina Olympics opening ceremony, which sparked protests and potential strikes by RAI journalists.
Paolo Petrecca, director of Rai Sport, resigned after his error-filled commentary during the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony led to protests from Rai journalists.
RaiSport director Paolo Petrecca resigned following backlash over his commentary during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which included several misidentifications and errors.
Paolo Petrecca, director of Rai Sport, resigned after his error-filled commentary during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony led to protests from journalists at the network.
Paolo Petrecca resigned as head of RAI's sports division after widespread criticism of his commentary during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which included significant errors and controversial remarks.
Rai CEO Giampaolo Rossi removed commentator Paolo Petrecca from Olympics coverage after a series of errors during the opening ceremony, leading to planned strikes by journalists.
Paolo Petrecca resigned as head of RAI's sports division after widespread criticism of his commentary during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which included significant errors and controversial remarks.
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