Stefano Coletta, the director of Italian broadcaster RAI has declared that Italy is ready to host the contest in 2023, in the aftermath of Ukraine’s win.
Mr. Coletta explained:
“Should a collective call for the edition in Ukraine take place, RAI will make available its know-how and the great experience it has shown in this edition.”
Stefano La Russo, Mayor of Turin of the host city in 2022 has added that he hopes the contest can be organized in an Ukranian city, but that Turin is willing to be “at the disposal of RAI and [the] EBU for a possible organization in the event that the event cannot be hosted in Ukraine.”
The city of Stockholm has stated its willingness to host, with SVT yet to comment on the matter. While Icelandic media has also reported that RÚV views the potential to host the 2023 contest positively. Spanish broadcaster RTVE also confirmed that they would be willing to host the contest if needed.
Italy was represented by Mahmood & Blanco with “Brividi” at Eurovision 2022. Host country Italy finished 6th in the Grand Final scoring a total of 268 points.
Image Source: EBU / Eurovision.tv | Source: Eurofestivalnews.com
Italy debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 and has participated a total of 42 times to date. Italy returned to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 having last participated in the contest in 1997, the country has withdrawn from the contest on a number of occasions in the past. Italy has won the contest three times, the first time being in 1964 and the latest being in 2021. Italy’s hosting of the contest in 1991 has been remembered as one of the most chaotic contests to date. Since their return in 2011 Italy has finished in the top 10 on nine occasions.
