“I rate his capabilities as a sprinter almost as high as those of Jonathan Milan” – But can Filippo Ganna return Italy to the top of Milano-Sanremo?

As the peloton lines up for Milano-Sanremo, all eyes in Italy will be on Filippo Ganna, perhaps the nation’s best hope of ending a seven-year wait for a home victory at the race. The 28-year-old powerhouse has collected stage wins at both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana, and has twice worn the rainbow jersey in the time trial. But a Monument? That box remains unticked.

Not since Vincenzo Nibali’s audacious solo victory in 2018 has an Italian stood on the top step of the podium. As the race returns to the Via Roma, could Ganna finally deliver number 52 for Italy?

Alessandro Petacchi, who last claimed this title for Italy in a bunch sprint back in 2005, believes Ganna has more than one path to victory. Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, he praised the INEOS Grenadiers rider’s versatility.

“He can go solo but he can also finish it in a sprint. Filippo does not have the reputation of being a good sprinter but he is really fast, especially at the end of a long and difficult race like San Remo. I rate his capabilities as a sprinter almost as high as those of Jonathan Milan.”

As always, competition will be fierce. Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel, one of the top favourites for today’s race, weighed in on Ganna’s form and threat level.

“Filippo Ganna is in reasonably good shape, but I am not impressed. I think everyone knows how strong he is as a rider and he has been close a few times in San Remo. He will definitely be someone to be reckoned with.”