Italian tennis pros Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini took up the coveted mantle of Olympic torchbearers leading up to the Milan Winter Games 2026. The Winter Olympics 2026, also known as the Milano Cortina 2026, will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina from February 6-22.The Olympic torch relay is an integral part of the Olympics, be it the Summer Games or the Winter Games. The Olympic flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, and then makes its way to the host country. International pitstops were allowed before but were discontinued following protests during the Beijing Olympics 2008. The relay is now restricted to the cities within the host nation.Athletes crave to be a part of this ceremony. Berrettini and Paolini were among the lucky ones from the Italian sporting community to be a part of it this time. The Olympic flame for the Milano Cortina Games arrived from Greece in Rome, Italy on Thursday, December 4. Paolini was among the first to receive the flame, alongside cyclist Filippo Ganna during the handover ceremony in Athens, Greece. They brought the flame back to Rome, Italy, where the flame was housed in Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian president.The flame was then handed over to President Sergio Mattarella in a ceremony on Friday, December 5. Paolini was overwhelmed with gratitude after being part of the entire process. "It's amazing. It was an amazing feeling. I really feel grateful, honoured and it was a privilege. It was a little bit short, I wanted to enjoy it more," Paolini told the media.The Olympic torch relay within Italy kicked off on Saturday, December 6, with Berrettini being among one of the first torchbearers. The 63-day relay will begin in Rome and go through 110 provinces before making its way to Milan for the opening ceremony on February 6. Here are the clips of Paolini and Berrettini with the flame: View this post on Instagram Instagram Post View this post on Instagram Instagram PostPaolini and Berrettini's inclusion in this wasn't surprising. The duo have made Italy proud on numerous occasions with their achievements over the past few years.Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini have helped Italy establish itself as a leading force in tennisMatteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini have helped Italy cement its position as a powerhouse in tennis in recent years. Paolini won the gold medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics 2024 with Sara Errani. She also finished as the runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year.Paolini has multiple WTA 1000 titles to her name in singles as well as doubles, and has been a top 10 mainstay for nearly two years now. She was also integral in Italy's triumph at the Billie Jean King Cup for the last two years.Berrettini, too, was a top 10 player before his recurring injuries. He reached the Wimbledon 2021 final, and has won 10 career titles. He helped Italy claim its third successive Davis Cup title last month. With their impressive resumes, they were a lock to be a part of the ceremony for the Milano Cortina 2026.