Sal Da Vinci Wins Sanremo 2026 and Will Represent Italy at Eurovision

Naples is celebrating after Sal Da Vinci secured victory at the 76th Sanremo Music Festival with his song “Per sempre sì,” earning him the opportunity to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The win, announced on February 28th, 2026, and updated on March 1st, 2026 , marks a significant moment for the artist and the city of Naples.

A Transitional Festival and a National-Popular Winner

The 2026 Sanremo Festival was described as a transitional event, coinciding with the announcement of Stefano De Martino as the next artistic director, taking over from Carlo Conti in 2027 . Da Vinci’s win is seen as a triumph for a national-popular artist, capitalizing on the current wave of Neapolitan music appreciation.

The Final Results

Sal Da Vinci topped the rankings, followed by Sayf with “Tu mi piaci tanto” in second place, and Ditonellapiaga with “Che fastidio” in third . Arisa secured fourth place with “Magica favola,” while Fedez and Masini rounded out the top five with “Male necessario” .

Awards and Recognition

Beyond the overall win, several other awards were presented during the festival. Fulminacci received the Mia Martini Critics’ Prize, while Serena Brancale was honored with the Lucio Dalla Press Award and the Tim Award for the song with the most votes on the sponsor’s social networks . The Sergio Bardotti Award for best lyrics went to Fedez and Masini, and Ditonellapiaga again received the Giancarlo Bigazzi Award for best musical composition .

Eurovision 2026 Participation Confirmed

Following his victory, Sal Da Vinci confirmed his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with “Per sempre sì” . This decision was made during a special press conference, solidifying Italy’s representation in the international competition.

Da Vinci’s Emotional Response

Upon receiving the award, Sal Da Vinci expressed immense emotion, dedicating his win to his family and his hometown of Naples . He described the experience as surreal, comparing it to the film “Una settimana da Dio.”