Overview
- Organisers say the Games are in final pre‑opening stage and the opening ceremony on 21 August will be attended by President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- The field will include about 4,000 athletes from 26 countries competing in roughly 286 events with organisers citing 33 sports disciplines and about 2,500 medals.
- The Italian government provided about €275 million to the project, with roughly €168 million directed to Taranto for the renovation or construction of 45 venues overseen by special commissioner Massimo Ferrarese.
- Italy will enter a large home team of 498 athletes that includes high‑profile names such as Gianmarco Tamberi and Filippo Tortu, with Tortu and boxer Irma Testa named as flag‑bearers.
- National media have launched dedicated coverage and competitions will run across Taranto and 20 other Puglia municipalities with events like taekwondo scheduled for 22–23 August in Massafra, a setup intended to boost local tourism and long‑term sports use.