Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalco Star in NBC’s Italy-Themed Olympics Ad

Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalco Bring the Pasta—and the Jokes—to NBC’s 2026 Olympics Ad

NBC Sports has tapped Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalco to represent Italy in a new commercial for the 2026 Winter Olympics—and it’s exactly as chaotic as it sounds. The ad features the two comedians trying (and mostly failing) to take on winter sports before the Games head to Italy.

“This is a bad idea,” Romano says, as they prepare to snowboard. “We should be inside with a bowl of pasta.” Maniscalco adds, “We’re in the north—we’re in risotto country!”

The two suggest alternatives: curling with sandwiches or maybe just watching from the lodge. “You want crazy? Try the skeleton,” Romano says, clearly overwhelmed. By the end, they’re still looking for a way off the mountain.

The sketch mixes classic Italian stereotypes with the duo’s signature humor, poking fun at their aversion to cold and love for carbs. With the Olympics heading to Italy, NBC is betting that Romano and Maniscalco’s brand of comedy will warm viewers up—even if they’re freezing on the slopes.

Is it still curling if bruschetta’s involved?