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Logo MILANO CORTINA 2026 International Olympic Committee
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Collari d'Oro 2025 awarded, President Buonfiglio: “Italy a leading player on the world stage through a great team effort”
AT FORO ITALICO
A great day of celebration for this year’s sporting successes, with the spotlight on next year’s Winter Olympic Games. At the Casa delle Armi in the Foro Italico, Rome, the 2025 Collari d’Oro al Merito Sportivo (Golden Collars for Sporting Merit) ceremony took place — the highest honour in Italian sport — broadcast live on Rai 2. The awards celebrated Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have won one or more world titles this year (some of whom will compete at Milano Cortina 2026), as well as coaches, sports clubs and individuals who have distinguished themselves throughout 2025 (photos by Luca Pagliaricci and Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
The event was attended by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, CIP President Marco Giunio De Sanctis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, and Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi.
Also present were numerous presidents of National Federations, Associated Sports Disciplines and Sports Promotion Bodies, together with representatives from across the Italian sporting world and from the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, led by former CONI President and IOC Member Giovanni Malagò. Among those at the Foro Italico were also IOC Honorary Members Franco Carraro, Mario Pescante, Manuela Di Centa, and Francesco Ricci Bitti (Honour Member).
Opening the ceremony, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio remarked: “This is the most important ceremony of all — one that recognises the value of those who have stood out and made a difference. We are honouring outstanding women and men athletes. But no one wins alone: these awards are also for families, clubs, coaches, CONI’s Olympic Preparation Department, and CONI’s Institute of Sports Medicine and Science. We will continue to support the Federations. We are world leaders — once again, the Italian flag has flown high on podiums and our national anthem has resounded across the globe. It’s not just about winning medals, but about highlighting the importance of a country that is increasingly a key player worldwide, thanks to a great team effort. Everyone has a role to play — the medals belong to everyone. And when we fall short, we must understand why and return to winning ways through synergy, harmony, cooperation and a willingness to listen. It is crucial to work in full harmony with the government, with Sport e Salute, and among all our sporting bodies, DSA, EPS, military sports groups and the CIP. It’s a demanding journey: even in the post-Olympic year, we remain near the top of the medal table, among the world’s best. We must keep investing in facilities, initiatives and research. We are working towards results that will make us proud. Best of luck to all the athletes who will compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games”.
CIP President Marco Giunio De Sanctis then addressed the audience: “We are celebrating the greatest Olympic and Paralympic athletes — together. Together is the way forward: CONI and CIP must move in step. This is an extraordinary moment in history; in February, we will host both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Turin 2006 was a major cultural success, and now we must not neglect promotion and grassroots development, which are essential for elite sport. For athletes with disabilities, starting out can be very difficult; sports facilities are vital. I wish the very best to Italian sport”.
Later, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi added: “It’s always a pleasure to attend this important event each year, with renewed enthusiasm. The Collari d’Oro are an award of great solemnity. The presence of Ministers here today demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to sport. The boys and girls taking part in the Youth Games will look with admiration at the athletes who will compete at Milano Cortina 2026.
I would like to remember Mattia Debertolis and Matteo Franzoso, two wonderful athletes who are no longer with us. The issue of safety must coexist with sport. Life is the most precious thing we have been given — it is the most important medal, the Collare d’Oro par excellence. Sport makes life and respect for life its guiding principles.
I also want to express my gratitude and recognition to the men and women working on the Olympic construction sites: on 6 February, we will be ready thanks to their dedication. Italy will be at the centre of the world — it is an honour. And next year, we will also host the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. The spirit of sport is based on sharing, and it is always right to celebrate it”.
During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani said: “Every victory means promoting Italy, enhancing the country’s image abroad. Athletes are an essential instrument for that. And behind the athletes stands the business world. Sport is a great driver of national growth”.
Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi expressed that he was “very proud of our athletes, their achievements, and the opportunities they bring us” while Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti also congratulated all the awardees.
COLLARI D’ORO (Golden Collars)
Francesca Lollobrigida (speed skating, world champion 5,000 m)
Stefania Constantini (curling, mixed doubles world champion)
Roland Fischnaller (snowboard, parallel giant slalom world champion)
Michela Moioli (snowboard cross world champion)
Flora Tabanelli (freestyle skiing, big air world champion)
Alice Bellandi (judo, world champion –78 kg)
Assunta Scutto (judo, world champion –48 kg)
Luca Curatoli, Michele Gallo, Matteo Neri, Pietro Torre (fencing, men’s sabre world champions, team)
Guillaume Bianchi, Alessio Foconi, Filippo Macchi, Tommaso Marini (fencing, men’s foil world champions, team)
Simone Cerasuolo (swimming, 50 m breaststroke world champion)
Vittoria Bussi (track cycling, world hour record holder)
Elisa Longo Borghini (road cycling, Giro d’Italia winner)
Martina Alzini, Martina Fidanza, Vittoria Guazzini, Federica Venturelli (track cycling, team pursuit world champions)
Yasmina Akrari, Ekaterina Antropova, Carlotta Cambi, Stella Nervini, Loveth Omoruyi, Gaia Giovannini (women’s volleyball world champions)
Simone Anzani, Simone Giannelli, Luca Porro, Roberto Russo, Francesco Sani (men’s volleyball world champions)
Tyra Caterina Grant (tennis, Billie Jean King Cup winner with the National Team)
Mattia Furlani (athletics, long jump world champion)
Luca Chiumento, Giacomo Gentili, Andrea Panizza, Luca Rambaldi (rowing, quadruple sculls world champions)
Riccardo Pianosi (sailing, formula kite world champion)
Massimo Fabbrizi, Alessia Iezzi (shooting, mixed team trap world champions)
Collari d'Oro 2025
