Italy's coach resigns. © Pentaphoto

Disappointing games: Italy's ski coach quits

The Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were extremely mixed for Italy's giant slalom and slalom skiers. As a result, the head coach has now resigned.

February 19, 2026

From: leo

Giovanni Franzoni achieved the best result for Italy, finishing 24th in the Olympic giant slalom. Tommaso Saccardi managed 12th place in the slalom. These were results that did not satisfy a proud skiing nation like Italy. Even before the end of the Winter Games, Mauro Pini, who had only been coaching Italy's technical team since April, pulled the plug: On Thursday, he submitted his resignation to the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI).

“I take responsibility for the disappointing results of Italy’s athletes in the technical disciplines,” the Swiss official was quoted as saying by FISI. “After careful consideration and given the lack of the necessary mutual trust with my superiors, I believe it is right to resign. I thank FISI for the opportunity and wish the athletes a future full of sporting success.”

Alex Vinatzer gets a new coach. © Pentaphoto

As the Winter Sports Federation added, a meeting will be held after the Winter Games to determine Pini's successor. His appointment in April of last year had triggered a wave of euphoria, given his numerous successes as Petra Vlhova's coach. However, he was unable to significantly improve the struggling Italian technical team. Vinatzer's only podium finish this season came in the giant slalom in Beaver Creek.

The umpteenth coaching change

Vinatzer and his teammates must once again adjust to a new coach. Before Pini, Simone Del Dio was in charge. However, the former coach of Clement Noel also left mid-season, voluntarily. Del Dio resigned last January.