Paolo Petrecca, director of Rai Sport, has resigned after a series of embarrassing mistakes during his commentary of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The gaffes, which included misidentifying celebrities and athletes, sparked widespread criticism and protests from journalists at the Italian public broadcaster.
During the ceremony, Petrecca mistakenly welcomed viewers to Rome's Stadio Olimpico instead of Milan's San Siro, where the event was held. He also confused Italian actress Matilda De Angelis with Mariah Carey and misidentified International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry as Laura Mattarella, the daughter of Italy's president.
Petrecca, who had already been barred from covering the closing ceremony, failed to recognise two members of the Italian women's volleyball team during the torch relay and made inappropriate comments about Spanish and Chinese athletes. The remarks drew widespread condemnation, with Rai Sport journalists withholding bylines and planning a three-day strike.
The internal union CDR said its members were 'embarrassed' by Petrecca's coverage. Opposition politicians criticised his appointment as an example of political favouritism, with Stefano Graziano of the Democratic party calling him an 'emblem' of what he termed 'TeleMeloni'. Petrecca is expected to be replaced by Marco Lollobrigida, an established Rai sport presenter.
