A group of about 100 protesters shot flares, firecrackers and smoke bombs at police after breaking away from the main body of a demonstration in the host city of Milan. Police in riot gear responded with water cannon to try to disperse the group, some of whom wore hoods and scarves to cover their faces. More than 5,000 people had taken to the streets to protest about housing costs and environmental concerns on the first full day of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics

Source: The Guardian February 09, 2026 00:53 UTC