The actress is now in theaters with Milani’s “La vita va così” (That’s Life). “It talks about belonging, which I also see in stadiums. I would have loved to be a fan, it’s a magical union.”
Soccer never really managed to get her excited. That’s precisely why she misses it. Virginia Raffaele is all passion and heart, she would have enjoyed herself at the stadium, she knows it too: “I would love to be a real fan. When I see all those people together, in the same place, I always think ‘How cool is this thing that brings people together like this’. Of course, you also see horrible things, and I wonder how such a beautiful situation can lead to such inhuman reactions.” Soccer is also, strongly, about belonging. In Riccardo Milani’s film, La vita va così (That’s Life), in which she stars alongside Aldo Baglio and Diego Abatantuono (in theaters today with Medusa), there are flashes of Cagliari and “Giggirriva” that mark the powerful bond between Sardinians and their land. “Belonging is a central theme of the film, as are courage and dignity. Riccardo touches on social issues while making people smile, a recipe that has an old-school feel to it, that of Italian comedy, with touches of neorealism if you consider that I acted alongside an 84-year-old shepherd.”
The film, based on a true story, shows the passing of time through events that have marked our country. Like the 2006 World Cup victory. Do you at least succumb to the charm of the national team?
“Well, yes, I support Italy. It’s nice to get together in front of the TV. It’s a magical moment that, fortunately, we’re not losing despite everything having changed. There’s poetry in it, and we need that. Let’s really hope that Italy manages to qualify this time!”
Any special memories?
“My mother had a ‘Signori sei Mondiale’ (Signori you’re World Cup) T-shirt printed during USA ’94. We were at Luneur, where we had the shooting gallery and the goldfish stall, and she proudly walked around wearing this T-shirt with a photo of Beppe Signori on it.”
Is your mother a Lazio fan?
“Yes, but that was a tribute to the Azzurri.”
Lazio fans think you support Lazio too.
“Because I once did something with Ferilli where she was a Roma fan, as you’d expect, and I was a Lazio fan. But as I said, unfortunately, I’ve never followed soccer that much. Half my family supports Lazio, the other half supports Roma, so they pulled me from one side to the other… Better to stay out of it! Besides, I was born on September 27, the same day as Totti, as my Giallorossi friends remind me every birthday.”
We’re told you’re passionate about tennis.
“There was a period when I was really obsessed with it, I played from noon to two, even in July and August. I loved it… I haven’t played for a while now, but I think it’s a wonderful sport, even if it is the devil’s game! It pisses me off… a lot, but it’s a unique way to take your mind off things.”
Do you follow it on TV too?
“Well, yes, especially Sinner. I watched the 18-hour final against Alcaraz at Roland Garros and, luckily, the ones he won, starting with Wimbledon. Those two are fake… Like Djokovic, who doesn’t even sweat, he’s a bit of an alien.”
Since we were talking about belonging, how did you take Sinner’s withdrawal from the Davis Cup?
“Well, I see him as a very healthy guy. I like the relationship he has with his family, I like what he says, he’s a great guy. And then I have infinite respect for great champions. When they play, I can’t help but think about the sacrifices in terms of diet, physical training, and lifestyle that are behind those athletic feats.“
Favorite tennis player?
”When I was little, I was fascinated by Andre Agassi. I even read his book, Open, and I thought it was wonderful.”
How was your meeting with Adriano Panatta?
“What a laugh! He was the first person to make me hit a ball with a racket. I entered the world of tennis through the front door. We were in a tourist village for work, and I said to him, ‘Adria, if you don’t give me a lesson, no one will.’ Being a Roman like him and a Roman like me, we hit it off right away. He called me Olivia, like the character in Popeye, tall and skinny, and teased me. Adriano is really nice, a gentleman, full of irony.”
He has often worked with Bolle.
“Roberto is unique, a wonderful person with a delightful character. He is also a great professional and a workaholic, in this we are alike. We seek perfection in a maniacal way. I wish everyone could be lifted by Roberto Bolle at least once in their life: it’s a wonderful experience, you feel so light, you fly!”
She also danced with Carla Fracci.
“A woman of superior irony and intelligence. Because of my imitation of her, she told me a story: ‘I once met Chaplin,’ and I was already stunned, ‘he told me, you’ll be really famous when someone imitates you, so thank you.’ Brilliant.”
She also imitated Federica Pellegrini.
“True, in the pool… But I never knew if she liked it, in fact I never even met her.”
For the type of shows she does, two hours on her feet with dozens of changes, she must be trained.
“I always did dance when I was little, and that helps me. Now I’d like to learn to swim well. Last summer, Paola Cortellesi tried to teach me, but there was no way. I go under and then only my butt comes up, like a buoy. Why is that? At work, though, I take it seriously, with functional and metabolic training. Sport is really important, physically, but also culturally, mentally, and socially.“
Competitive?
”I grew up in a shooting range, the thrill of sports competition is part of me. I’m a bit of a cheater…” Given the results, bring on the cheater.
