The motion, which means that the Organising Committee can now be officially established under Italy's former Sports Minister and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Mario Pescante, was passed by 51 votes to two against with two abstentions.

"A dream can now become a reality," said Alemanno, who revealed that it was estimated that €12.3 billion (£10.8 billion/$17.4 billion) could be invested in helping modernise the ancient city if the bid is successful.

"When Rome is called to undertake a major challenge it is able to rise to the occasion."

Alemanno then revealed details of a recent survey which, if accurate, suggest that Rome enjoys more support for its Olympic bid then even Pyeongchang did before they were awarded the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics earlier this month.

"The survey showed that 97 per cent of the Romans says that this application is important for the country and 73 percent are willing to do something for it in person," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for the country."

Pescante (pictured), the former President of CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee, claimed that the results of the survey were important because Rome could only succeed if it was united behind the bid, which will definitely face challenges from Madrid and Tokyo and also probably Doha and Istanbul.

"Rome will be the focus of the world and we must show solidarity," Pescante told the Assembly.

Under the terms of this agreement the Council agreed to allocate·€1 million (£877,000/$1.4 million) a year to the Organising Committee in the run-up to the vote at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires on September 7, 2013, plus another·€500,000 (£439,000/$707,000) to help set it up.

Among those set to play a key role in the bid is·Rosella Sensi, the former chair of Serie A champions Roma, who has been brought into the Council Cabinet by·Alemanno.

The 39-year-old resigned from her post at Roma in March after the American businessman·Thomas DiBenedetto agreed to a takeover deal for the club.

The bid, which currently enjoys support across the politicial spectrum, could be a catalsyt for helping Italy recover from its economic crisis, it was claimed.

Former Mayor Francesco Rutelli, the President of opposition party Alliance for Italy, was the first to sign the Council resolution backing Rome's bid.

"Rome can challenge the rest of the world," he said.

"But we need alliances to win the Games.

"We live in a serious economic and social crisis and Rome staging the Olympics could help heal the country.

"The project must be ambitious and not expensive."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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