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ROME, June 24-- Italian authorities on Monday hailed the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to award the Winter Games 2026 to Milan/Cortina. During its 134th session held in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the IOC chose the Italian candidacy over the bid of Stockholm/Are submitted by Sweden. It will be the first Winter Olympics in Italy in 20 years, after the previous one hosted in northwest Turin city in 2006. "This is a victory for all (the country)," Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala told state-run TV broadcaster RAI News24 shortly after the announcement. "Our presentation of the candidacy was much varied, putting together pragmatism and Italian allure, and I believe this has played a role in the decision taken by the Committee," the mayor explained. Sala also confirmed to RAI the Milan/Cortina candidacy won 47 votes among the 82 members of the Committee, and Stockholm/Are received 34 votes, while one member abstained. Italy's Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi expressed "great satisfaction" at the news. "A most relevant outcome for Italy resulting from an excellent team work, to which the Farnesina (Foreign Ministry) and its whole diplomatic network are proud of having contributed," Moavero Milanesi wrote on Twitter. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also welcomed the announcement. "We are proud of this great result," he wrote on his official Facebook page. | 
