Italian Skaters Rizzo and Grassl Celebrated Despite Errors After Olympic Bronze

Italian figure skaters Matteo Rizzo and Daniel Grassl received enthusiastic support during their performances at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, despite facing challenges in the men’s singles short program. The duo competed at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 10, 2026, just days after they contributed to Italy’s first team medal in 12 years.

Performance Highlights

• Matteo Rizzo: Finished 16th with a score of 84.30 points, struggling with a quadruple toe loop.
• Daniel Grassl: Came in fourth with 93.46 points, falling short of the podium by more than nine points.

Crowd Support and Feedback

The atmosphere at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was electric as the crowd cheered for both athletes. Rizzo, buoyed by the audience’s enthusiasm, expressed that the performance was enjoyable despite the points lost. He noted, “Too much adrenaline led to a big mistake,” referencing his misstep during the routine.

Grassl echoed a similar sentiment, expressing optimism for the upcoming free skate. He acknowledged that an error in his quad likely cost him valuable points but remained focused on his training and positive mindset.

Looking Forward

As the athletes prepare for the free skate on February 12, they acknowledge the tough task ahead of them. Rizzo highlighted the challenge of refocusing after the team’s historic bronze win, confessing to being overwhelmed with messages from fans and well-wishers.

In the meantime, the top two spots for the free skate appear secure with American Ilia Malinin and Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama leading the competition. Nevertheless, Rizzo and Grassl aim to maintain their spirits and continue to strive for excellence.

A Historic Moment for Italy

Italy’s team bronze at these Olympics marks a significant milestone in its figure skating history, reminiscent of Carolina Kostner’s bronze in 2014. The enthusiasm surrounding Rizzo and Grassl highlights the reviving spirit of Italian figure skating.

As they prepare to take the ice again, both skaters remain hopeful and dedicated to their craft, aiming to inspire fans and achieve personal bests in their next performances at Filmogaz.com.