Edward Marchesi In recent days, the streets of Milan have been the scene of protests, with the alleged involvement of Russia emerging, among other reasons. The Italian Embassy in Rome itself published a tongue-in-cheek warning urging Italians to avoid areas of potential unrest, adding that the hypothesis of "Moscow's involvement" has become the easiest explanation for problems such as rising prices and transport blockades.
Al Bano's appeal to Giorgia Meloni
On October 21, singer Al Bano gave an interview to Sandro Teti Editore , broadcast on YouTube, in which he described Russia as a country that "loves us" and "possesses a lot of Italian energy" thanks to cultural, architectural, and musical ties. He then asked Giorgia Meloni to end sanctions against Moscow, suggesting "giving flowers and actions" instead of punishment, and concluded with the phrase, "I love you, dear Meloni, I love you even more if we open our doors to Russia."
A message that immediately made the rounds on social media, transforming into a truly unofficial diplomatic message .
Maria Zakharova uses the singer's voice
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reacted on Telegram, calling the singer's speech "a very sincere and heartfelt public appeal."
Zakharova reiterated the "deep historical and cultural ties" between Italy and Russia, calling on the prime minister to "lift the sanctions" and work for a "lasting peace in Ukraine." The tone of the post oscillated between the theatrical and the mocking, questioning whether Al Bano's voice could truly be heard in Rome and insinuating that Italian authorities were reluctant to consider positions that differed from the dominant discourse.
Italian institutional reactions and the role of the embassy
Meanwhile, several government officials have commented on the events surrounding the Milan protests. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto spoke of a "hybrid war," while Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized the lack of concrete evidence of external control. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed surprise at the rumors about Russian involvement. The Russian Embassy in Italy, noting the growing rhetoric, published a notice urging citizens not to engage with alleged "Russian agents," mocking the fact that Moscow was always blamed for any disruption.
The debate on cultural diplomacy
The entire affair highlights how a simple message from an artist can become a source of geopolitical tension. On the one hand, Al Bano presents himself as a spokesperson for reconciliation, seeking to leverage his popular following to foster dialogue between Italy and Russia. On the other, Zakharova appears to have turned the appeal into a provocation, using the singer's figure to put pressure on the Italian leadership. Meanwhile, Italian institutions are trying to maintain a balance between internal security, accusations of foreign influence, and respect for freedom of expression, while the public watches with growing curiosity how this curious intertwining of music and diplomacy will evolve.