Sailing-Italy to host 2027 America's Cup in Naples, PM says
FILE PHOTO: Sailing - 37th America's Cup - New Zealand v Britain - Barcelona, Spain - October 19, 2024 INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand in action during race nine REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo
ROME (Reuters) -Italy will host the next edition of the America's Cup in 2027 in Naples, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday, the first time for the country to host sailing's most prestigious competition.
Three-times defending champions New Zealand said in March they would no longer seek to host the next edition, citing a lack of economic support from the government.
"The choice of Italy is a choice that makes us proud, because it is a recognition of the very identity of our nation. Without the sea, in fact, we would not be what we are," Meloni said in a statement.
"We look forward to welcoming the America's Cup. Italy will rise to this challenge and show the world once again what it is capable of."
New Zealand retained the title by winning the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona last October over Britain for their fifth triumph.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Giulia Segreti and Peter Rutherford)
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