Niccolò Mornati is a former Italian rower. During the London Olympics he came in fourth with his partner Carboncini, and was then embroiled in a blog attack on Enrico Gandola, president of the Italian Rowing Federation. Gandola told Mornati "Stay in your boat."

The men's eight competition was one of six events for male competitors in Rowing at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. It was held from 15 to 22 August. There were 9 boats from 9 nations, with each nation limited to a single boat in the event. The event was won by the United States, the nation's first victory in the men's eight since 1964 and 12th overall. The Netherlands took silver. Australia, the reigning silver medalist, finished with bronze this time.