Italy at Eurovision 2025: Italy’s Commentator for Eurovision doubts Italy’s chances – but what makes him say “It won’t happen”? And what did the Italians really think of Malmö?
A few weeks before Eurovision 2025 is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, one statement has turned heads and stirred controversy in Italy’s Eurovision fan community. Gabriele Corsi, the main commentator for the Eurovision broadcasts on Italy’s national broadcaster, RAI, publicly declared that he doesn’t believe Italy has a real chance of winning this year.
During a panel held as part of the influencer and creator festival in the city of Terni, moderated by veteran journalist Caterina Proietti — who has covered both Sanremo and Eurovision extensively — Corsi expressed his views without hesitation. Summing up his feelings about Italy’s chances, he stated: “Of course I support Italy and Lucio Corsi, but I think France with Louane and the song ‘Maman’ is a very dangerous opponent. As for us I say: ‘It won’t happen – but if it happens…’”
The remark, interpreted by many as a preemptive concession — especially coming from someone who will be commenting the performance live — sparked wide debate, particularly as it coincided with a not-so-subtle jab at last year’s Swedish hosts.
A Turin Production vs. a Hotel Lobby in Malmö
At the same panel, Claudio Fasulo, deputy director of the entertainment division at Italy’s national broadcaster and a key figure behind Eurovision 2022 in Turin, took the opportunity to compare Italy’s past production to Sweden’s recent one in Malmö in 2024. Without holding back, Fasulo highlighted the stark differences:
“There was this urban legend that Italy and Rai couldn’t organize Eurovision, but we proved them wrong. Many European colleagues were skeptical, but eventually they changed their minds. Today, they say that Eurovision 2022 was ‘the best ever.’”
According to him, Italy’s success came from a unique approach:
“We organized Eurovision not just in the classic format — we did it as if it were three nights of Sanremo spread across Europe. We even rolled out the turquoise carpet at the Reggia di Venaria — they did it in a hotel lobby.”
Fasulo’s comments, though diplomatically worded, left no doubt: the Italians believe they set a new standard in 2022 — one that Sweden did not live up to in 2024. The undertone was clear: Italy did it bigger, better, and with more style.
“There’s Nepotism Here”
When the conversation turned to Italy’s Eurovision 2025 act, Lucio Corsi, Gabriele Corsi opened with a joke: “Lucio Corsi is my son, there’s nepotism here.” No family connection, tho.
But the tone quickly shifted to something more serious, as he praised his son’s artistic integrity:
“I think Lucio Corsi is right to bring his music without compromising. I’m sure he will do himself proud. Of course it’s always nice to win Eurovision — and it’s not impossible — but bringing a slice of national music to that stage, regardless of the result, is important in itself.”
The Harmonica Controversy: Will Lucio Corsi Bend the Rules?
Beyond the pessimism surrounding Italy’s chances, the hottest topic of the panel was Lucio Corsi’s intent to play a harmonica live on stage — despite Eurovision’s rules on pre-recorded performances. Two panelists commented on reports that Corsi plans to play live during his act, despite regulations: “It would be great if Lucio Corsi broke all the rules and got disqualified,” one of them joked — but the room quickly turned tense.
Gabriele Corsi stepped in to clarify:
“Last year there were some controversies with Angelina Mango, so I say — on behalf of the delegation — Lucio will do what is allowed. If playing the harmonica is permitted — he’ll play. If not — Lucio is an intelligent person, and I don’t think he’ll insist on it.”
It’s worth noting that the official Eurovision rulebook, sent to all participating delegations, explicitly forbids live instrumental performances. The reason is purely logistical — there is not enough time or technical capacity to wire and sync instruments for a live broadcast that is meticulously timed. This rule has been in place for years.
But Lucio Corsi appears to have found a loophole: unlike guitars, drums, or keyboards, a harmonica requires no electricity or wiring. It’s an acoustic instrument that can be played instantly — and the sound could blend naturally into the singer’s vocal microphone, making it possible to use live without technical conflict.
Between Regulation and Expression: Lucio Corsi as a Symbol
What began as a seemingly minor musical detail has evolved into a symbol of something far greater: is Eurovision ready for an artist who dares to bend the norm? Is the preservation of competition rules more important than artistic authenticity?
Whether or not Lucio Corsi ends up playing the harmonica, he has already become the centerpiece of this broader conversation.
It’s no coincidence that he now stands between the institution and the free spirit of contemporary music. The challenge he presents — not just to Eurovision regulations but to European cultural norms — runs deep.
Can Italy Really Win?
One simple statement — “It won’t happen” — has cast a long shadow over Italy’s Eurovision 2025 hopes. Coming from none other than the man who will commentate on the act live, it transcends doubt. It is a reflection of the divide between musical passion and the harsh reality of competition.
At the same time, the fond memories of Turin and the subtle digs at Malmö capture the mood at Italy’s national broadcaster: they’ve already proven they can deliver a world-class Eurovision. Gabriele Corsi may not bet on victory — but he doesn’t rule out a surprise. And if Italy is no longer chasing just a trophy, perhaps it’s because they’re aiming to move hearts instead.
Italy at Eurovision 2025
“Volevo essere un duro” (translated as: “I Wanted to Be Tough”) is the song performed by singer Lucio Corsi, which came second at the 75th edition of the Sanremo Festival. The song was written by the singer himself along with Tommaso Ottomano. This was the singer’s first-ever appearance at the festival. The song is performed in Italian.
Who is Lucio Corsi?
Lucio Corsi, born on October 15, 1993, in Grosseto, Italy, is an Italian singer-songwriter and musician. He grew up in the village of Vetulonia near where his family runs a restaurant. His mother is a painter, while his father has worked in various roles including as an employee of the Italian national broadcaster Rai and as an artist working with leather. Corsi’s love for music was sparked by watching the movie “The Blues Brothers” as a child, and he began writing songs at a very young age, performing in bars and squares of his hometown from 2011.
He began composing instrumental pieces of progressive rock before turning to lyrical writing. After finishing his high school studies in Grosseto, he moved to Milan with the aim of developing his musical career, initially living near Naviglio Pavese, then in Via Ripamonti, and eventually in Niguarda. This participation was the singer’s first ever in the Italian Sanremo Festival.
Source: eurofestivalnews
Eurovision 2025: This will be Italy’s 50th participation in Eurovision. Italy joined the contest in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Italy’s most recent victory was at Eurovision 2021 with the song “Zitti e buoni” performed by the band Måneskin.
