The brief confrontation came at the end of a peaceful march by thousands against the environmental impact of the Games.

After left-wing groups rallied against the cost and environmental impact of the Winter Games in Italy, some protesters set off fireworks and hurled bottles.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni overnight called the release "an affront to the memory of the victims of the New Year's Eve tragedy and an insult to their families".

A stunning curtain-raiser was a fitting celebration of the host country and the Games – with wider messages never far from the surface

We know that Team GB can stamp their dominance early on and let Canada know that they are here to win this game. Stone placement is really key to stop the Canadians getting the right angle. It has been a fantastic start for Team GB and this will be a great game that everyone wants to watch.