The next America's Cup will be held in Naples in 2027, announced Prime Minister Giorgia Melons on Thursday. This is the first time that Italy has hosted the sailing's most prestigious event.

New Zealand, three-times champions and defending hosts of the event, announced in March that they would not be seeking to host the following edition due to a lack economic support by the government.

"The choice to be Italian is one that makes us very proud because it recognizes the very identity and culture of our country. Meloni stated that without the sea we wouldn't be who we are.

We look forward to welcoming America's Cup. Italy will rise up to this challenge and once again show the world what it's capable of."

New Zealand

Retaining the title

Britain won their fifth America's Cup by winning the 37th America's Cup last October in Barcelona. Angelo Amante is reporting, Giulia Segri and Peter Rutherford are editing.

(source: Reuters)