Allianz unveils its giants for Milan-Cortina 2026

At the Allianz Tower Auditorium in Milan, “Sognando Milano Cortina 2026 was presented. On the shoulders of the Giants”, the major project promoted by Allianz, Global Partner of the International Olympic and Paralympic Movements until 2032, involving 6 athletes and parathletes who will be the Company&#8221s Ambassadors in Italy for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the unforgettable Italian legends who have made Italian sports history.

The new partnership strengthens the one already existing internationally and in our country. In fact, the Allianz Group initiated the worldwide partnership with the International Olympic and Paralympic Movements in 2021, recently extended to Brisbane 2032, and has been a partner of the International Paralympic Movement since 2006.

The presentation in the Allianz Tower was held in 2021.

The presentation in the Allianz Tower was attended by the Company’s top management – CEO Giacomo Campora and General Manager Maurizio Devescovi – along with Valentina Sestan, Head of Strategic CEO projects and Head of Olympic and Paralympic Partnership of Allianz S.p.A., and the presence of representatives of institutions and prestigious guests from the world of culture, sports and civil society, in addition to the many media present.

The new major project “Dreaming of Milan Cortina 2026. On the shoulders of the Giants” will feature 6 Italian athletes and parathletes, already established champions of winter sports (and not only), and 6 extraordinary legends who have made the history of blue sports. Sportsmen from different disciplines – ice figure skating and speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon – that Allianz will accompany in an exceptional experience, which starts from a first-person account, but wants to open a broader reflection on the heritage of values handed down by sport from generation to generation.

Here are the protagonists of “Dreaming of Milan Cortina 2026. On the shoulders of the Giants”:

AMBASSADOR ALLIANZ:

Sara Conti & Niccolò Macii, the top pair in figure skating since 2019, are known for their attunement and grace. Both from Lombardy, Sara, born in Alzano Lombardo (BG) in 2000, and Niccolò, from Milan, in 1995, won gold at the European Championships in Espoo 2023 and bronze at the World Championships in Saitama 2023 and Boston 2025. United in sport and in the dream of making their Olympic debut at home, Sara and Niccolo’ belong to the State Police Fiamme Oro Sports Group, which Allianz has supported since 2022.

Nikolaj Memola, from Monza, Italy, ice figure skater, class of 2003, known for his height of 1.95m. In 2022 he became the first Italian to win the Junior Grand Prix final. In 2025 he won the silver medal at the European Championships in Tallinn. Now he is ready to make his mark at his first Olympic participation in Milan-Cortina 2026. Nikolaj – like Sara and Niccolò – is also an athlete of the Fiamme Oro State Police Sports Group, of which Allianz is a Top Partner.

Giuseppe Romele, born in Pisogne (BS) in 1992, is a very versatile Paralympic athlete. He has demonstrated his exceptional adaptability by excelling in multiple sports: swimming, Nordic skiing, and triathlon. She won the Italian swimming championship in the 50 freestyle, won bronze in cross-country skiing at the Beijing 2022 Games, and participated as a triathlete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Martina Valcepina, ice skating sprinter, class of 1992, from Sondalo (SO) is one of the stars of Italian short track. With three Olympic medals, including silver in the 2000m mixed relay at Beijing 2022, and four European titles, Martina combines life as a mom with life as an athlete, proving that dedication and talent can go hand in hand.

Martina Vozza, class of 2004, is a multi-purpose Paralympic alpine skier from Monfalcone (GO). Young but already with clear ideas, as evidenced by her bronze medal at the World Championships in Lillehammer and podiums in the World Cup. At the Beijing 2022 Games she was the youngest athlete in the entire Italian expedition. She will compete at the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina 2026 under Ylenia Sabidussi.

LEADERSHIP:

Paolo De Chiesa, class of 1956, a member of the famous “Valanga Azzurra” of Italian alpine skiing in the ’70s and ’80s, won 12 World Cup podiums in special slalom. An expert on skiing, today he is a sports commentator for RAI and continues to live his passion for skiing from every perspective.

Barbara Fusar Poli, born in Milan in 1972, a leading figure skating figure skater on ice paired with Maurizio Margaglio. After a string of national and international successes, she won a bronze medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Retiring from competition in 2007, she embarked on a career as a coach and choreographer, helping to train new generations of skaters and contributing actively to the growth of ice skating in Italy.

Kristian Ghedina, born in 1969, is an Italian alpine skiing legend, with five Olympics, 13 World Cup victories and an undisputed talent in downhill skiing behind him. After retiring, he went on to compete in car racing and offshore powerboating, confirming his passion for speed. A native Cortinese, he maintains a special bond with his hometown and the mountains, which have marked his career.

Maurizio Margaglio, Milanese born in 1974, a former ice figure skater. Famous for winning the bronze medal at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in 2002 paired with Barbara Fusar Poli, after having been national champions from 1995 to 2002 and winning gold at the World Championships in Vancouver in 2001. After retiring from competition, he became Olympic coach of the Finnish National Skating Team and World Camp coordinator for the International Skating Union.

Francesca Porcellato, class of 1970, nicknamed “The Flying Redhead” for her hair and countless victories. A parathlete, she accomplished the feat of winning 15 Paralympic medals, participating in 13 editions of the Paralympic Games in as many as three different disciplines – track and field, cross-country skiing and cycling. With such a successful career, after retiring in 2024, he is now dedicated to promoting Paralympic sports, inspiring and supporting new generations of athletes.

Cristian Zorzi, born in 1972, known as “Zorro” was one of Italy’s most brilliant cross-country skiers. After debuting in alpine skiing, field hockey, ski jumping and biathlon, he definitely opted for cross-country skiing. Famous for his gold medal in the 4×10 km relay at the 2006 Turin Olympics, he collected 2 more Olympic medals and 3 world medals. Today he promotes cross-country skiing and participates in sports and charity events.