Enrico Varriale, a prominent Italian journalist and former deputy director of RaiSport, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison, with a suspended sentence, for stalking and causing injuries to his former partner. The verdict, delivered by the Rome Tribunal on June 13, 2025, also mandates Varriale to undertake a rehabilitation program for perpetrators of domestic abuse. The prosecution had sought a two-year sentence, but the court opted for a lighter penalty. Varriale’s defense team has announced plans to appeal the decision. This 3,000-word article delves into the case, its background, the trial proceedings, and its broader implications for Italy’s media landscape and the fight against gender-based violence, optimized for SEO targeting tier-1 countries.
Background: Enrico Varriale’s Career and Legal Troubles
Enrico Varriale, born in Naples in 1960, is a seasoned sports journalist known for his work with Italy’s public broadcaster, Rai. Starting his career in 1985 at local outlets like Canale 21 and Il Mattino, Varriale joined Rai in 1986, eventually becoming a key figure in sports journalism. He served as deputy director of RaiSport until 2021, covering major events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. His tenure was marked by high-profile roles on programs such as 90º minuto and La Domenica Sportiva. However, his career took a dramatic turn when allegations of violence and stalking surfaced in 2021.
In August 2021, Varriale’s former partner, a 61-year-old entrepreneur, filed a complaint accusing him of physical assault and persistent harassment. The allegations triggered a swift investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office, leading to a precautionary measure prohibiting Varriale from approaching within 300 meters of the victim or contacting her. A second woman came forward in December 2021, alleging similar acts of violence and stalking, resulting in a separate legal proceeding. The first case culminated in the June 2025 sentencing, while the second trial remains ongoing.
The Case: Allegations and Evidence
The primary case centers on events from August 2021, when Varriale allegedly assaulted his former partner during a heated argument fueled by jealousy. According to court documents, on August 6, 2021, Varriale “violently slammed her against the wall, shook and beat her arms, kicked her, and, while she attempted to retrieve her cellphone, grabbed her neck, causing injuries.” The victim sought medical attention at Policlinico Gemelli, where doctors documented a “lacerated bruised wound on the left arm, bruising on the left hand, swelling of the right elbow, abrasions at the base of the neck, and on the left knee,” with a five-day recovery prognosis.
Following the assault, the victim ended the relationship, but Varriale allegedly continued to harass her with late-night calls, messages, and appearances outside her home, ringing her intercom at 6 a.m. These actions, described as “reiterated conduct” by prosecutors, caused the victim “a persistent state of anxiety and fear,” forcing her to alter her daily routines. The judge, Monica Ciancio, noted Varriale’s “aggressive and overbearing personality, evidently incapable of self-control,” justifying the initial restraining order.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including medical reports, witness testimonies, and a log of messages and calls. The victim’s lawyer, Teresa Manente of the anti-violence organization Differenza Donna, emphasized the credibility of her client’s testimony, supported by “numerous messages received from Varriale” and corroborated by emergency room records.
Varriale’s Defense and Courtroom Strategy
Varriale admitted to a single act of violence during the trial, describing it as “the biggest mistake of my life.” He claimed to have slapped his former partner during an argument on August 5, 2021, but denied other allegations, including kicking her, spitting in her face, or choking her. He stated, “If she were here, I would apologize for the slap, but everything else she claims is false.” Varriale also alleged mutual aggression, claiming the victim scratched his face and threatened him, though he provided no medical evidence to support this.
His legal team, led by Fabio Lattanzi and Ester Molinaro, sought to downplay the stalking charges, arguing that the victim never explicitly asked Varriale to stop contacting her. They highlighted the five-day prognosis as evidence of a minor incident and questioned the victim’s credibility, citing inconsistencies in her account. During a 2022 hearing, Lattanzi stated, “The victim’s narrative confirms a single episode of violence, not stalking.”
Varriale’s defense faced challenges when a second woman testified in 2023, alleging he assaulted her in December 2021, shortly after the first incident. She claimed Varriale asked her to procure a false medical certificate to support his claim of an eye injury from the August altercation, a request she refused. This testimony undermined Varriale’s narrative of mutual violence.
The Verdict: 10-Month Sentence and Rehabilitation Program
On June 13, 2025, the Rome Tribunal convicted Varriale of stalking and aggravated injuries, sentencing him to 10 months in prison with a suspended sentence. The court also ordered him to participate in a recovery program for “abusive men” to address his behavior. The prosecution had requested a two-year sentence, but the lighter penalty reflects the court’s consideration of Varriale’s partial admission and lack of prior convictions. He was also ordered to pay legal fees and a provisional compensation of €10,000 to the victim, with further damages to be determined in civil proceedings.
The defense promptly announced an appeal, arguing that the sentence was disproportionate and that key evidence was misinterpreted. Lattanzi stated, “We respect the court’s decision but believe the facts warrant a different outcome. We will appeal to clarify the truth.”
The Second Case: Ongoing Allegations
Varriale faces a separate trial for similar charges involving a second woman, with the first hearing held in January 2025. This case stems from an alleged assault on December 8, 2021, when Varriale reportedly slapped the woman so forcefully that she lost consciousness. She recounted, “He gave me a full-handed slap that made me fall. Panic attacks started that evening. I felt danger, suffocation, trembling.” She also alleged Varriale threatened her, saying, “If you report me, I’ll kill you,” and harassed her with anonymous calls and messages, including one with a distorted voice saying, “You will die.”
Varriale denied the allegations, claiming the woman, driven by “insane jealousy,” vandalized his home. He provided photographs of the damage but admitted to no physical violence. The trial, set to continue in November 2025, could further impact Varriale’s reputation and legal standing.
Public and Media Reaction
The case has sparked significant attention in Italy, given Varriale’s high-profile status. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users condemning his actions and others questioning the allegations’ validity. For instance, a post by @CalcioFinanza on June 13, 2025, announced the verdict, while @maurizioborgna earlier labeled Varriale’s behavior as reprehensible.
Italian media outlets, including La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, and Il Fatto Quotidiano, have extensively covered the trials, highlighting the broader issue of gender-based violence. The victim’s decision to leave Rome due to fear underscores the profound impact of Varriale’s actions, resonating with advocacy groups like Differenza Donna, which praised the verdict as a step toward justice.
Implications for Italy’s Media and Society
Varriale’s conviction raises critical questions about accountability in Italy’s media industry, where public figures often enjoy significant influence. His suspension from Rai’s on-air roles in 2021 and ongoing legal battles have tarnished his legacy, prompting discussions about the responsibility of broadcasters to address allegations against employees. Varriale’s lawsuit against Rai for reinstatement, filed in 2022, remains unresolved, complicating his professional future.
The case also underscores Italy’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence. According to ISTAT, 31.5% of Italian women have experienced physical or sexual violence, with intimate partner violence being a leading cause. High-profile cases like Varriale’s highlight the need for systemic change, including stronger legal protections and societal awareness. The court’s mandate for Varriale to undergo rehabilitation reflects a growing emphasis on addressing root causes of abusive behavior.
Global Context: High-Profile Abuse Cases
Varriale’s case aligns with global trends where public figures face scrutiny for alleged misconduct. In the U.S., cases like those of Harvey Weinstein and Johnny Depp have sparked debates about power dynamics and accountability. In Europe, similar allegations against figures like French actor Gérard Depardieu have fueled #MeToo movements. These cases emphasize the importance of believing survivors and ensuring justice, regardless of the accused’s status.
Impact on Victims and Advocacy
The victim in the first case, supported by Differenza Donna, demonstrated resilience by pursuing justice despite Varriale’s public denials. Her testimony, backed by medical evidence and witnesses, was pivotal in securing the conviction. The second victim’s decision to leave Rome highlights the lasting trauma of abuse, reinforcing the need for robust victim support systems.
Advocacy groups have hailed the verdict as a victory for survivors, with Manente stating, “This ruling sends a clear message: no one is above the law.” However, the suspended sentence has drawn criticism from some activists, who argue it undermines the severity of the crimes.