After weeks of uncertainty and tense negotiations, it looks like the Festival di Sanremo will stay in its historic home.
Sanremo dispute: a truce after weeks of talks
According to reports in Il Secolo XIX, RAI and the City of Sanremo are finalising a three-year deal that will secure the festival at the Teatro Ariston until at least 2028.
The news comes after a summer of speculation about a possible move away from the Ligurian city, following the dispute between RAI and Sanremo’s administration. At the heart of the negotiations were financial demands and the ownership of the festival’s brand.
Tensions reached a peak when alternative host cities, including Rome and Naples, were floated as possible replacements. In fact, according to the latest reports, Naples’ Mostra d’Oltremare had been seriously considered as a potential venue.
The terms of the deal
While the final agreement is still pending a signature – expected between 29 August and 2 September – details suggest that:
- The Comune di Sanremo will retain ownership of the festival’s brand and name.
- RAI will continue as the exclusive broadcaster and organiser.
- The new contract will cover three years, with the possibility of extension for two more.
The compromise reportedly includes the City of Sanremo covering accommodation costs for artists and RAI staff – a significant concession that helped unlock the deal.
With the agreement nearly complete, attention now shifts to the 76th edition of the Festival, set for February 2026 and once again hosted by Carlo Conti. The broadcaster has already begun reviewing submissions for the upcoming competition.
The new deal ensures that the Festival di Sanremo will continue in its traditional home, putting an end to rumours of relocation – at least for the next few years.
Italy’s Eurovision journey
Italy has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since the very beginning and have always been considered a powerhouse in the contest. The country has won the contest on three occasions in 1964, 1990 and 2021. Italy withdrew after 1997, returning again in 2011 with Raphael Gualazzi who sang ‘Madness Of Love’. Raphael placed second in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest after scoring 189 points.
Italy’s most recent entry in 2025 was “Volevo essere un duro” by Lucio Corsi. At the close of voting, Italy scored a total of 256 points in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final, placing 5th. Of these, 159 points came from the juries, whilst the remaining 97 points came from the televote.
Do you think Sanremo should always stay at the Teatro Ariston, or would you like to see it hosted elsewhere in Italy one day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow That Eurovision Site on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Tumblr, and Bluesky for all the latest updates on Sanremo and Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Il Secolo XIX
Photo Credit: Riccardo Antimiani / ANSA
Rory Gannon 
Giwrgos Oiko