Italian Speedskater Celebrates Olympic Upset with Steph Curry's 'Night Night' Gesture

Andrea Giovannini used the NBA star's signature move after Italy beat the favored U.S. team in the men's team pursuit final.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Italian speedskater Andrea Giovannini used Steph Curry's famous 'Night night' celebration to punctuate Italy's surprise victory over the favored U.S. team in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Giovannini said he had planned to do the celebration if they won, but didn't tell his teammates ahead of time in case things didn't go well. The Italians ended up finishing 4 1/2 seconds faster than the American world record-holders, allowing Giovannini to pull off the celebration at the finish line.

Why it matters

Giovannini's use of Curry's signature celebration move added an extra layer of drama and personality to the Italian team's upset victory over the heavily favored American squad. The 'Night night' celebration has become an iconic part of Curry's brand, and Giovannini's decision to incorporate it into his own Olympic triumph highlights the global reach and influence of the NBA superstar.

The details

In the men's team pursuit final, the Italian trio of Andrea Giovannini, Davide Ghiotto, and Michele Malfatti finished 4 1/2 seconds faster than the American team of Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, and Ethan Cepurian, who had set the world record in the event just a few months earlier. After crossing the finish line, Giovannini performed Steph Curry's famous 'Night night' celebration, where he brings his hands together and presses them to the side of his head.

  • The men's team pursuit final took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
  • Giovannini said he had planned to do the 'Night night' celebration if they won, but didn't tell his teammates ahead of time.

The players

Andrea Giovannini

An Italian speedskater who competed in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Davide Ghiotto

An Italian speedskater who competed in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics alongside Giovannini and Malfatti.

Michele Malfatti

An Italian speedskater who competed in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics alongside Giovannini and Ghiotto.

Casey Dawson

An American speedskater who competed in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Emery Lehman

An American speedskater who competed in the men's team pursuit final at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“The last lap, we were in control, and I was just waiting for that finish line to emulate Steph.”

— Andrea Giovannini, Italian Speedskater (chicagotribune.com)

“Emblematic of having cold blood.”

— Andrea Giovannini, Italian Speedskater (chicagotribune.com)

“It's better than getting two middle fingers from the Russians four years ago.”

— Emery Lehman, American Speedskater (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The Italian team's upset victory over the favored American squad in the men's team pursuit final will likely be one of the most memorable moments of the Milan Cortina Olympics. Giovannini's use of Steph Curry's signature 'Night night' celebration is sure to add to the viral popularity of the moment.

The takeaway

Giovannini's celebration of Italy's surprise Olympic triumph over the U.S. team by using Steph Curry's iconic 'Night night' gesture shows how global sports stars can transcend their own sports and become cultural touchstones. The moment highlights the power of personality and flair in captivating audiences, even in the often staid world of speedskating.