20
Feb 2026
13:06 UTC
Italy Tactical: Anti-Olympics protest to take place ahead of closing ceremony in Verona on February 22; avoid nonessential travel
Current Situation
- The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place at the Arena di Verona, renamed Verona Olympic Arena for the occasion, in Verona, Veneto region, from 20:00 (local time) on February 22.
- Entry to the Piazza Bra, Liston Square, and the Verona Arena will be restricted from 00:00 on February 22 until 02:00 on February 23. Access will also be restricted on the nearby Corso Porta Nuova and Via Pallone. Several parking and driving restrictions have also been implemented in the vicinity of the Verona Arena and Corso Porta Nuova during this period. Further details regarding specific streets impacted by the travel restrictions are available here (in Italian).
Source: Larena
- The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place at the Arena di Verona, renamed Verona Olympic Arena for the occasion, in Verona, Veneto region, from 20:00 (local time) on February 22.
- Entry to the Piazza Bra, Liston Square, and the Verona Arena will be restricted from 00:00 on February 22 until 02:00 on February 23. Access will also be restricted on the nearby Corso Porta Nuova and Via Pallone. Several parking and driving restrictions have also been implemented in the vicinity of the Verona Arena and Corso Porta Nuova during this period. Further details regarding specific streets impacted by the travel restrictions are available here (in Italian).
Source: Larena
- An associated protest march against the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will begin in Porta Palio, Verona at 15:00 on February 22.
- Following the initial gathering , the protesters will proceed towards Circonvallazione Oriani, Piazza Renato Simoni, Via Giberti, Via della Valverde, Vicolo Santa Caterina, Via Marconi, Via Scalzi, Stradone Porta Palio, Largo don Bosco, Regaste San Zeno, Via Berto Barbarani, Piazza Corrubbio, Via Tommaso da Vico, Via Pontida, Ponte Risorgimento, Lungadige Cangrande, before concluding at Vanzetti/Piazza Arsenale
- The protest is being organized by various environmental and pro-Palestine organizations, namely “Olimpiadi nograzie Verona”, “Extinction Rebellion Italia”, “Global Movement to Gaza Italia”, “Comitato insostenibili Olimpiadi (CIO)”, and “Laboratorio Autogestito Paratodos”.
- It is being held against what the organizers claim, as one of the most unsustainable events organized.
Source: Instagram
- An associated protest march against the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will begin in Porta Palio, Verona at 15:00 on February 22.
- Following the initial gathering , the protesters will proceed towards Circonvallazione Oriani, Piazza Renato Simoni, Via Giberti, Via della Valverde, Vicolo Santa Caterina, Via Marconi, Via Scalzi, Stradone Porta Palio, Largo don Bosco, Regaste San Zeno, Via Berto Barbarani, Piazza Corrubbio, Via Tommaso da Vico, Via Pontida, Ponte Risorgimento, Lungadige Cangrande, before concluding at Vanzetti/Piazza Arsenale
- The protest is being organized by various environmental and pro-Palestine organizations, namely “Olimpiadi nograzie Verona”, “Extinction Rebellion Italia”, “Global Movement to Gaza Italia”, “Comitato insostenibili Olimpiadi (CIO)”, and “Laboratorio Autogestito Paratodos”.
- It is being held against what the organizers claim, as one of the most unsustainable events organized.
Source: Instagram
- Reports state that the US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the men’s hockey final scheduled to take place at Arena di Santa Giulia in Milan from 18:40, as well as the closing ceremony at Arena di Verona.
- Several social centers, including Leoncavallo and the Lambretta, have announced protests under the banner “NO ICE, NO KINGS, NO TRUMP” should Trump visit be confirmed.
- Reports state that the US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the men’s hockey final scheduled to take place at Arena di Santa Giulia in Milan from 18:40, as well as the closing ceremony at Arena di Verona.
- Several social centers, including Leoncavallo and the Lambretta, have announced protests under the banner “NO ICE, NO KINGS, NO TRUMP” should Trump visit be confirmed.
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on the anti-Olympics protest organized by CIO outside the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, coupled with participation from other groups, the slated protest is likely to witness a turnout in the mid-to-high hundreds. This will likely increase in case Trump’s visit is confirmed. Although details regarding any protest against Trump in Milan have not been announced as of writing, they are likely to be announced once Trump’s attendance is confirmed.
- While the February 6 protest transpired peacefully, a subsequent February 7 protest in Milan against the Olympics ended in violent clashes between demonstrators and the police. This, coupled with heightened sentiments among left-wing and far-left groups in Italy against Trump’s policies, environmental groups against the negative impact of the event on the environment and heightened pro-Palestinian sentiments in Italy, evidenced by large-scale and violent pro-Palestinian protests in September-October 2025, indicate that the upcoming protests scheduled in Verona and any spontaneous protests in Milan carry a heightened risk for unrest, especially if Trump’s visit is confirmed.
- Instances of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of widespread clashes between the protesters and the police. Protesters are also likely to target police with projectiles, including rocks, fireworks, and glass bottles. As such, a bolstered security presence is expected in the vicinity of any planned or spontaneous protest. Given the potential for unrest, coupled with the high-profile event, authorities are expected to maintain a lower threshold of intervention. In the event of unrest, police are likely to implement crowd control tactics, including the use of batons, tear gas, water cannons, and conducting arrests.
- Moreover, given that sabotage targeting the railway infrastructure has been recorded across Italy on February 7, 10–11, 14, and 17, by suspected far-left actors, the risk of similar incidents on the sidelines of the closing ceremony remains heightened.
- Should Trump’s arrival be confirmed, he is expected to land at the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), as it was the airport used by US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the Opening Ceremony. However, the Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is also a potential point of his arrival due to the airport’s closer proximity to Arena di Santa Giulia and Verona. As such, disruptions to air travel at MXP Airport and LIN Airport are likely during the afternoon hours and evening hours. Subsequently, disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian travel between the airports and the Arena di Santa Giulia and then Arena di Verona are likely due to the Presidential motorcade.
- In addition to the announced travel disruptions, significant disruptions to vehicular, rail, air, and pedestrian travel should be anticipated in Milan, Verona, and between these cities, given the heightened security parameters and checkpoints anticipated due to the scheduled arrival of numerous VIPs, dignitaries, government leaders, and officials. On motorways, extremely dense, slow-moving traffic is expected. Moreover, public transportation services are expected to experience delays, cancellations, or operations on alternative schedules due to the aforementioned security measures. As such, overcrowding on available services is highly likely.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Verona on February 22 are advised to avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of the anti-Olympics march. Maintain heightened vigilance for protest actors attempting to demonstrate near the Arena di Verona ahead of and during the closing ceremony.
- Allot for significant disruptions to travel near Arena di Verona throughout the day and near the anti-Olympics march during the afternoon and evening hours. Allot for disruptions at Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), motorways, and public transportation in Verona, given the additional security measures introduced due to the event.
- Those in Milan are advised to allot for disruptions at MXP, LIN Airports, and motorways between Verona and Milan due to the scheduled arrival of numerous VIPs, dignitaries, and government leaders and officials.
- Those in Italy are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates and monitor local media for updates on confirmation of Trump’s visit and associated potential protests, as well as potential sabotage targeting railway infrastructure.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Verona & Milan, Italy
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation
- The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place at the Arena di Verona, renamed Verona Olympic Arena for the occasion, in Verona, Veneto region, from 20:00 (local time) on February 22.
- Entry to the Piazza Bra, Liston Square, and the Verona Arena will be restricted from 00:00 on February 22 until 02:00 on February 23. Access will also be restricted on the nearby Corso Porta Nuova and Via Pallone. Several parking and driving restrictions have also been implemented in the vicinity of the Verona Arena and Corso Porta Nuova during this period. Further details regarding specific streets impacted by the travel restrictions are available here (in Italian).
Source: Larena
- The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place at the Arena di Verona, renamed Verona Olympic Arena for the occasion, in Verona, Veneto region, from 20:00 (local time) on February 22.
- Entry to the Piazza Bra, Liston Square, and the Verona Arena will be restricted from 00:00 on February 22 until 02:00 on February 23. Access will also be restricted on the nearby Corso Porta Nuova and Via Pallone. Several parking and driving restrictions have also been implemented in the vicinity of the Verona Arena and Corso Porta Nuova during this period. Further details regarding specific streets impacted by the travel restrictions are available here (in Italian).
Source: Larena
- An associated protest march against the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will begin in Porta Palio, Verona at 15:00 on February 22.
- Following the initial gathering , the protesters will proceed towards Circonvallazione Oriani, Piazza Renato Simoni, Via Giberti, Via della Valverde, Vicolo Santa Caterina, Via Marconi, Via Scalzi, Stradone Porta Palio, Largo don Bosco, Regaste San Zeno, Via Berto Barbarani, Piazza Corrubbio, Via Tommaso da Vico, Via Pontida, Ponte Risorgimento, Lungadige Cangrande, before concluding at Vanzetti/Piazza Arsenale
- The protest is being organized by various environmental and pro-Palestine organizations, namely “Olimpiadi nograzie Verona”, “Extinction Rebellion Italia”, “Global Movement to Gaza Italia”, “Comitato insostenibili Olimpiadi (CIO)”, and “Laboratorio Autogestito Paratodos”.
- It is being held against what the organizers claim, as one of the most unsustainable events organized.
Source: Instagram
- An associated protest march against the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will begin in Porta Palio, Verona at 15:00 on February 22.
- Following the initial gathering , the protesters will proceed towards Circonvallazione Oriani, Piazza Renato Simoni, Via Giberti, Via della Valverde, Vicolo Santa Caterina, Via Marconi, Via Scalzi, Stradone Porta Palio, Largo don Bosco, Regaste San Zeno, Via Berto Barbarani, Piazza Corrubbio, Via Tommaso da Vico, Via Pontida, Ponte Risorgimento, Lungadige Cangrande, before concluding at Vanzetti/Piazza Arsenale
- The protest is being organized by various environmental and pro-Palestine organizations, namely “Olimpiadi nograzie Verona”, “Extinction Rebellion Italia”, “Global Movement to Gaza Italia”, “Comitato insostenibili Olimpiadi (CIO)”, and “Laboratorio Autogestito Paratodos”.
- It is being held against what the organizers claim, as one of the most unsustainable events organized.
Source: Instagram
- Reports state that the US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the men’s hockey final scheduled to take place at Arena di Santa Giulia in Milan from 18:40, as well as the closing ceremony at Arena di Verona.
- Several social centers, including Leoncavallo and the Lambretta, have announced protests under the banner “NO ICE, NO KINGS, NO TRUMP” should Trump visit be confirmed.
- Reports state that the US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the men’s hockey final scheduled to take place at Arena di Santa Giulia in Milan from 18:40, as well as the closing ceremony at Arena di Verona.
- Several social centers, including Leoncavallo and the Lambretta, have announced protests under the banner “NO ICE, NO KINGS, NO TRUMP” should Trump visit be confirmed.
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on the anti-Olympics protest organized by CIO outside the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, coupled with participation from other groups, the slated protest is likely to witness a turnout in the mid-to-high hundreds. This will likely increase in case Trump’s visit is confirmed. Although details regarding any protest against Trump in Milan have not been announced as of writing, they are likely to be announced once Trump’s attendance is confirmed.
- While the February 6 protest transpired peacefully, a subsequent February 7 protest in Milan against the Olympics ended in violent clashes between demonstrators and the police. This, coupled with heightened sentiments among left-wing and far-left groups in Italy against Trump’s policies, environmental groups against the negative impact of the event on the environment and heightened pro-Palestinian sentiments in Italy, evidenced by large-scale and violent pro-Palestinian protests in September-October 2025, indicate that the upcoming protests scheduled in Verona and any spontaneous protests in Milan carry a heightened risk for unrest, especially if Trump’s visit is confirmed.
- Instances of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of widespread clashes between the protesters and the police. Protesters are also likely to target police with projectiles, including rocks, fireworks, and glass bottles. As such, a bolstered security presence is expected in the vicinity of any planned or spontaneous protest. Given the potential for unrest, coupled with the high-profile event, authorities are expected to maintain a lower threshold of intervention. In the event of unrest, police are likely to implement crowd control tactics, including the use of batons, tear gas, water cannons, and conducting arrests.
- Moreover, given that sabotage targeting the railway infrastructure has been recorded across Italy on February 7, 10–11, 14, and 17, by suspected far-left actors, the risk of similar incidents on the sidelines of the closing ceremony remains heightened.
- Should Trump’s arrival be confirmed, he is expected to land at the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), as it was the airport used by US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the Opening Ceremony. However, the Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is also a potential point of his arrival due to the airport’s closer proximity to Arena di Santa Giulia and Verona. As such, disruptions to air travel at MXP Airport and LIN Airport are likely during the afternoon hours and evening hours. Subsequently, disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian travel between the airports and the Arena di Santa Giulia and then Arena di Verona are likely due to the Presidential motorcade.
- In addition to the announced travel disruptions, significant disruptions to vehicular, rail, air, and pedestrian travel should be anticipated in Milan, Verona, and between these cities, given the heightened security parameters and checkpoints anticipated due to the scheduled arrival of numerous VIPs, dignitaries, government leaders, and officials. On motorways, extremely dense, slow-moving traffic is expected. Moreover, public transportation services are expected to experience delays, cancellations, or operations on alternative schedules due to the aforementioned security measures. As such, overcrowding on available services is highly likely.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Verona on February 22 are advised to avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of the anti-Olympics march. Maintain heightened vigilance for protest actors attempting to demonstrate near the Arena di Verona ahead of and during the closing ceremony.
- Allot for significant disruptions to travel near Arena di Verona throughout the day and near the anti-Olympics march during the afternoon and evening hours. Allot for disruptions at Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), motorways, and public transportation in Verona, given the additional security measures introduced due to the event.
- Those in Milan are advised to allot for disruptions at MXP, LIN Airports, and motorways between Verona and Milan due to the scheduled arrival of numerous VIPs, dignitaries, and government leaders and officials.
- Those in Italy are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates and monitor local media for updates on confirmation of Trump’s visit and associated potential protests, as well as potential sabotage targeting railway infrastructure.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Verona & Milan, Italy
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
Italy
-
TravelItaly Tactical: Security operations ongoing in Porta Venezia area in Milan after tram derailment, as of evening hours (local time) on February 27; maintain heightened vigilance -
TravelItaly Tactical: Half-marathon slated from Palazzo dello Sport in Rome to Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo in Ostia at 09:00 (local time) on March 1; allot for disruptions -
Labor ActionItaly Tactical: Unionized railway workers to hold nationwide strikes on February 27-28; reconfirm itineraries -
Labor ActionItaly Tactical: Aviation sector workers to hold 24-hour nationwide strike on February 26; reconfirm itineraries
Related Reports
Italy
-
TravelItaly Tactical: Security operations ongoing in Porta Venezia area in Milan after tram derailment, as of evening hours (local time) on February 27; maintain heightened vigilance
-
TravelItaly Tactical: Half-marathon slated from Palazzo dello Sport in Rome to Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo in Ostia at 09:00 (local time) on March 1; allot for disruptions
-
Labor ActionItaly Tactical: Unionized railway workers to hold nationwide strikes on February 27-28; reconfirm itineraries
-
Labor ActionItaly Tactical: Aviation sector workers to hold 24-hour nationwide strike on February 26; reconfirm itineraries