Following the International Olympic Committee's announcement today of the five candidate cities for the 2024 Olympic Games, as spokesman for Rome 2024 said:

"We are extremely proud and honoured to be part of a process which includes four of the world's greatest cities - Paris, Los Angeles, Hamburg and Budapest. We sincerely thank the IOC for this fantastic opportunity. 

"But now the real challenge begins. The next two years will be tough but we are ready to go all the way with great enthusiasm. The experience of hosting the 1960 Olympics left a special mark on Rome and Italy and we are focused on reviving the spirt of those historic Games. 

"A Rome Olympics in 2024 will not only deliver a great festival of sport but will also place athletes and young people at the heart of all its planning.

"We recognise the urgent need to give Romans a better city and a greater  quality of life and the Olympic project can help us create a modern city, which will ultimately become more accessible and more sustainable with full transparency in all decision making.

"Rome and Italy have important cards to play, including a heritage of unmatched beauty and culture. We are confident that with the help and support of all the key institutions we can deliver this beautiful dream for our children."