A black and white photograph accompanied by the simple, poignant words: “My dad.” This was Amanda Sandrelli’s final tribute to her father, Gino Paoli, shared on her Instagram profile following his death yesterday at the age of 91. The brief message encapsulates the deep connection to a parent whose life was intertwined with one of Italy’s most talked-about love stories of the 20th century.
The Story Behind a Name and a Birth in Switzerland
Amanda Sandrelli was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1964, a birth shrouded in the social constraints of the time. At that moment, Gino Paoli was married to Anna Fabbri, with whom he had a son, Giovanni (who passed away in 2025). Stefania Sandrelli, Amanda’s mother, was just 18 years ancient. Initially, Amanda carried only her mother’s surname, leading to speculation about Paoli’s acknowledgement of his daughter. However, as clarified by Stefania Sandrelli, this was a deliberate decision made by the young parents. Paoli chose the name “Amanda,” while Stefania opted to offer her daughter her own surname. Amanda later legally added her father’s surname when she reached adulthood.
Love at First Sight in 1961
The roots of this bond trace back to June 5, 1961, at “La Bussola” in Viareggio. Gino Paoli, 26 and already a successful artist, was married at the time. Stefania Sandrelli, a 15-year-old actress gaining recognition for her role in Divorce Italian Style, was too present. A single dance sparked an intense connection, initiating a relationship that quickly became a national scandal due to the age difference and Paoli’s marital status.
Challenges, Tensions, and a Friendship with Tenco
The relationship between Paoli and Sandrelli endured years of ups and downs, involving other figures in the cultural scene, including Paoli’s former partner, Ornella Vanoni, and Luigi Tenco, who openly criticized the relationship. In 1963, Paoli attempted suicide, surviving with a bullet lodged in his chest for the rest of his life. This dramatic event intensified media scrutiny but did not sever the bond with Sandrelli. Amanda was born the following year, in 1964.
From Romance to Respect
As quickly as it ignited, the romantic relationship eventually ended in the years following Amanda’s birth. Stefania Sandrelli moved to Rome to focus on her acting career, while Paoli continued his musical journey. Despite the end of their romance, mutual respect remained. Stefania Sandrelli later described their connection as “a great love transformed into admiration for his talent,” a sentiment echoed as Italy mourns Paoli’s passing.