Giovanni Malagò is optimistic Rome's bid will be kept alive ©Getty Images

Rome 2024 has announced that oil and gas company Eni has become an official partner of the Italian capital's bid for the Olympics and Paralympics, as the fight to keep the city in the race continues.

Eni, which is headquartered in Rome, has become a "main partner" of the bid, joining other companies such as Italian airline Alitalia.

But the announcement today comes with the future of the Rome bid remaining in doubt after the election of Olympic skeptic Virginia Raggi as the city's Mayor.

Raggi, a politician with the Five-Star Movement who was elected last month, often voiced her opposition to the Olympic bid during her campaign, claiming that other issues in Rome would be a better use of the money required.

Earlier this month, Raggi said that a decision on whether to press ahead with the bid would be made in October.

It is difficult to see how Rome could remain in the frame without the support of its most prominent public official, but bid organisers remain confident she can be talked around.

A series of key meetings have been held between both sides with Rome's bid boasting the support of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who has frequently urged Raggi to withdraw her opposition.

Giovanni Malagò, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President, said today he was "optimistic" Rome would remain in 2024 contention.

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi could scupper the city's Olympic plans ©Getty Images
Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi could scupper the city's Olympic plans ©Getty Images

His comments followed a 15-minute meeting with deputy mayor Daniele Frongia, although he did acknowledge other issues in Rome which will require funding.

"I'm an optimist by nature," he told ANSA.

"We agreed to meet again after Rio, including with the Mayor. 

"The formal deadline to endorse the bid is October 7.

"The city today is facing other emergencies, both technical and procedural ones, concerning budget approval.

"As Frongia has said, the debate and the dialogue are ongoing."

Eni has also joined Italian bank Bnl and financial services company UnipolSai as a main partner of the bid.

"Sport, a universal language that draws people together, is what Eni believes to be a tool to create common ground among diverse cultures and to instill in future generations the value of a healthy lifestyle and respect for the rules," said a Rome 2024 statement. 

Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris are also bidding for the Games in 2024, with the International Olympic Committee electing a host in Lima next year.