The Olympics make a stop at San Siro: Zanetti and Chivu will be Torch Bearers

Ahead of Inter vs. Pisa in matchday 22 of Serie A, San Siro hosted a special pre-match event celebrating sports and Olympic values, with initiatives to showcase the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. This fixture is also Inter's final home game before the Olympics, which will officially open on 6 February at 20:00 CET at San Siro.

In the pre-match build up, the official Milano-Cortina 2026 mascots, Tina and Milo, welcomed fans at the stadium entrances, handing our merchandies and helped in creating a celebratory and inclusive atmosphere. Both the playful ermine mascots reflect Italy's contemporary and inclusive values: Tina is the mascot for the Olympics and Milo for the Paralympics, representing curiosity, determination, and a love for sports and the outdoors. Their names take inspiration from the host cities, Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The main show of the event took place just before kick-off, as the mascots took to the pitch, accompanied by Olympic torches, symbols of passion, dedication, and unity. Fans joined in the fun with a short quiz with special prizes up for grabs, creating a lively and interactive ambience. Inter Vice President, Javier Zanetti's, presence made the event even more special, who, along with coach Cristian Chivu, was announced as torchbearers, earning a warm ovation from the San Siro crowd.

After the pitch-side activities, the Olympic torches were displayed inside the Nerazzurri lounge, closing out an evening that brought football, emotion, and the Olympic spirit together beautifully. It was a meaningful celebration of sports in all its forms, demonstrating excellence and shared values.

The central moment of the initiative took place shortly before kickoff, when the mascots took to the pitchside stage, where the Olympic torches were also displayed—universal symbols of passion, commitment, and unity. The stage also featured fan engagement, with supporters taking part in a short quiz with dedicated prizes. Making the pre-match even more special was the announcement of Coach Cristian Chivu and Inter Vice President Javier Zanetti as official torchbearers for Milano Cortina 2026.

At the end of the on-stage activities, the Olympic torches were displayed inside the Nerazzurri Lounge, completing the story of an evening that brought together football, emotion, and the Olympic spirit in the setting of San Siro. It was a meaningful occasion to celebrate sport in all its forms, under the banner of excellence and shared values.