Paolo Mieli: 'My Contribution to Lavitola's Poll Was Zero'
Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Journalist Paolo Mieli denies significant involvement in a poll for Sigfrido Ranucci, stating his contribution was minimal.
- Mieli recounts meeting Valter Lavitola, who is under investigation for allegedly orchestrating an attack on Ranucci.
- Mieli describes Lavitola's restaurant as a social hub where various personalities gathered.
Journalist and essayist Paolo Mieli has stated his contribution to a poll intended to gauge the popularity of television host Sigfrido Ranucci was "zero." Mieli explained that he met Lavitola, who is currently under investigation as the alleged instigator of an attack on Ranucci, approximately eight months prior to the incident. Lavitola has confessed to the attack.
Mieli described his initial encounters with Lavitola at his seafood restaurant, Cefalรน, as "wonderful." He recounted Lavitola's engaging persona as a "formidable storyteller" who would often join patrons at their tables. Mieli noted that Lavitola would sometimes bring other guests to their table, creating a lively atmosphere.
The restaurant itself served as a social nexus. Mieli observed that Lavitola would frequently list his acquaintances, mentioning figures like Santoro and Ranucci, whom he described as his "best friend." The establishment was frequented by a diverse group, including an orthopedic doctor, a former soldier with an extraordinary past, and an aspiring novelist.
While Mieli admitted to visiting the restaurant several times, he recalled seeing Ranucci there only once. He emphasized that Lavitola remained the central figure, dominating conversations with his adventures and tales. Mieli's interactions with Lavitola, including the alleged poll, occurred after the attack on Ranucci.
Ranucci lโho visto lร dentro giusto una volta, ma non mi รจ rimasta granchรฉ impressa. Consideri che รจ uno che negli ultimi quindici anni vedo tutte le settimane a via Teulada, visto che entrambi registriamo lรฌ i nostri programmi Rai. Il centro del mondo lร dentro era sempre Lavitola, le sue avventure, i suoi racconti
Originally published by Corriere della Sera in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.