Italy stunned world champions USA to claim men's team pursuit gold in 3:39.20, a 4.51s margin. Punters: Italy’s dominant finish and home-ice momentum make them an attractive bet in team pursuit medal markets and futures—consider backing Italy or Giovannini-linked props in upcoming speed-skating events.
Giovannini's "Night‑Night" Celebration Caps Shock Italy Gold in Men's Team Pursuit
Italy's trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini and Michele Malfatti produced a stunning upset, beating world champions and world-record holders the United States to win Olympic men's team pursuit gold in 3:39.20. The Italians crossed the line 4.51 seconds clear, igniting the Milano Speed Skating Stadium and handing the host nation a dramatic triumph.
Dramatic Finish at Milano Speed Skating Stadium
With the crowd building into a deafening roar, Italy mounted a powerful surge in the closing laps after appearing to fade with four laps remaining. The decisive push turned the race on its head and gave the hosts a commanding victory that stunned rivals and spectators alike.
Giovannini Delivers Personal Redemption
Thirty-two-year-old Andrea Giovannini, who had waited patiently while teammates took previous spotlight moments, broke into his now-famous "night-night" celebration after the win. “I did it because in these first few weeks I never competed, I saw my teammates getting results, I couldn't wait for my moment to come,” Giovannini said, admitting the pressure had built. He credited team psychological support for helping him manage the tension.
Celebration Inspired by Curry
Giovannini revealed the gesture was inspired by Steph Curry’s celebration at the Paris 2024 basketball final. “I watched the final of Paris 2024 where he managed the great pressure and tension... where he did the night-night gesture,” he said. He even confided the plan to a teammate days before the race, hoping to mirror the calm-within-pressure symbolism if victory arrived.
Rivals’ Reaction and Wider Context
Even the U.S. skaters took the result with a smile. Emery Lehman quipped that Giovannini’s celebration was preferable to the offensive gestures seen in past tournaments, underlining the sportsmanship on the ice despite the upset. The win gives Italy a major boost in the speed-skating medal table at Milano Cortina, adding to the host nation’s gold haul.
Medal and Betting Implications
Beyond national pride and personal redemption, Italy’s authoritative performance reshapes expectations heading into remaining events.
The margin and composure displayed make Italy a stronger pick in team pursuit medal markets and futures; bettors may also find value on Giovannini or the Italian squad in individual pursuit-related props.
Consider adjusting exposures to favor the hosts after this display of depth and timing.
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Andrea Giovannini did the ‘night-night’ after Italy won gold in the men’s team pursuit
The Independent
