Valentino Aquilano stars as the late singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla in “Lucio,” a new television movie produced by Rai Fiction and Compagnia Leone Cinematografica. The project began filming in Bologna and Sorrento, with Rai 1 scheduling its broadcast for early 2027.
Valentino Aquilano Steps Into the Role After Years of Tribute Shows
The transition from tribute artist to official protagonist marks a unique career turn for Valentino Aquilano. For years, the performer studied and interpreted Lucio Dalla’s catalog in front of live audiences, building an artistic identity around the late singer’s repertoire. Rai Fiction and Compagnia Leone Cinematografica cast Aquilano in “Lucio” not just for his striking physical resemblance to Dalla—who died in 2012—but for a vocal affinity developed across years of stage performance. Born in Apricena, in the province of Foggia, and raised artistically in Pescara, Aquilano launched the “Ciao Lucio” stage show in 2014. That theatrical background prepared him to handle the emotional and narrative weight of the role.
Before securing the lead in the biopic, Aquilano gained national television exposure in 2025 by competing in “Like a Star,” a musical talent show hosted by Amadeus on the Nove network. Competing within a team dedicated specifically to Dalla, Aquilano advanced to the final phase of the program. That television run brought his live performance act to a wider audience, bridging local theater productions and major media platforms. The production aims to move past the public image of Dalla’s trademark cap and round glasses to explore the musician’s personal vulnerabilities and artistic evolution.
Production Details and Cast Connections Across Bologna and Sorrento
Filming for “Lucio” takes place primarily between Bologna and Sorrento, two locations central to the musician’s life and career. Ambrogio Lo Giudice, a Bologna-born director familiar with Dalla’s universe, directs the project from a screenplay he co-wrote with Stefano Sardo. Federico and Francesco Scardamaglia produce the film for Compagnia Leone Cinematografica in collaboration with Rai Fiction, while the Emilia-Romagna Film Commission and the City of Bologna provide production support.
The cast features several notable familial and professional ties. Tredici Pietro—the stage name of Pietro Morandi, son of Gianni Morandi—plays a young Gianni Morandi. The narrative centers heavily on the enduring friendship between Dalla and the elder Morandi, a partnership that spawned their collaborative 1988 album and extensive tour. Regional officials expressed strong support for the production; Maria Palma Giannini, the mayor of Celle di San Vito in the Foggia area, praised Aquilano’s casting, noting his local roots and vocal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lucio Dalla Biopic
When will the Lucio Dalla biopic air on television?
Rai 1 expects to broadcast “Lucio” in the early months of 2027, according to recent press reports.
Who directs the film and writes the script?
Ambrogio Lo Giudice directs the television movie and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Stefano Sardo.
What historical relationship does the film highlight between Dalla and Gianni Morandi?
The movie explores the deep friendship and musical collaboration between Dalla and Gianni Morandi, who released a joint 1988 album and toured together across Italy for more than one hundred dates.
Related reading