In view of 2020 Olympics, the countdown in the competition between Roma and Venice has started. Between the 15th and 20th of May, Coni (Italian National Olympic Committee) will chose the Italian candidate for the organization of 2020 Olympic games. Final appointment will be made in Buenos Aires by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July 2013.

To clarify some aspects of the presented applications, as well as to determine the score each city will receive, the technical commission has made two inspections in Venice and Rome. Now the applications will be evaluated by the Coni committee to determine who wins and who loses. The last word will be left to the Coni council in case both cities were to be considered eligible.

In theory, the decision is a merely technical one. As Coni’s president Petrucci assures the best offer will win. This competition is so relevant since never before an Italian candidature has had so many chances to be successful. But let’s consider some figures: Rome’s organization budget is €1,9 billion.

€13 billion will be needed for the construction of transportation infrastructures and sporting facilities. The Olympic park will be built in the northern part of the city, near Tor di Quinto (hosting the Olympic village) and the Foro Italico.

Sporting events will also take place in the periphery: in Tor Vergata and by the new trade fair. Venice proposes an organization budget of €1,8 billion and estimates an infrastructure plan for € 742 million. The city has chosen the mainland near Mestre to host the majority of the sporting events. Especially in the area of Tessera (where the Olympic village will be built) close to the airport and the historical centre.