The latest episode of Affari Tuoi – Speciale Lotteria Italia aired on January 6, 2025, captivating audiences with unexpected moments, lively banter, and the occasional slip-up by stars like Mara Maionchi and Ilenia Pastorelli. The show, hosted by Stefano De Martino, kicked off with the iconic game segment featuring contestant Antonietta, who was accompanied by her daughter Federica. After two hours of engaging gameplay, viewers were treated to a quiz involving five celebrity participants: Ilenia Pastorelli, Mara Maionchi, Lino Guanciale, Rocco Papaleo, and Federica Nargi. Meanwhile, other guests such as Herbert Ballerina, Francesco Paolantoni, Biagio Izzo, and more provided comic relief with their antics and presented their respective projects.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of Gianni Morandi, whose energetic performance had the entire audience on their feet. He ended the episode on a high note, playfully sweeping the stage to clear the golden confetti after announcing the winner of the 5 million euro prize, all the whilst singing his hit "Banane e lamponi" alongside De Martino. This moment harkened back to Morandi's memorable reaction during the Sanremo festival, when he helped clean up after Blanco's infamous flower destruction.
Morandi received top marks for his infectious energy, earning him a perfect score of 10. His antics at the end of the show were particularly memorable, with him humorously sweeping up the colorful mess as he interacted with De Martino, demonstrating why he remains such a beloved figure.
Stefano De Martino's hosting received high praise, with many viewers expressing their appreciation for his charisma, earning him a score of 9. While some audience members voiced boredom during the lengthy three-and-a-half-hour broadcast, it seemed more about the pacing than De Martino's engagement. He managed to keep the energy up, deflecting any slumps with timely jokes and infectious positivity, ensuring the show maintained its flow.
Pilar Fogliati also impressed viewers, showcasing her talent for various Italian dialects and infectious mirth, securing her own score of 9. Not only did her charm light up the set, but her willingness to engage openly with others demonstrated her approachable personality. Her extraordinary ability to navigate different dialects and her vibrant presence proved to be significant assets to the episode.
Mara Maionchi, known for her colorful language, stirred the pot not just with her remarks, but with unfiltered commentary, earning her an 8. While her choice of words might not have been the most polished for daytime television, her contributions brought needed liveliness to the proceedings. An unforgettable quote emerged when Maionchi humorously remarked about her role on the show, saying, "But do you think if I were a psychic I would be here bothering you?" Her sharp wit and unexpected insights added an element of surprise to the interactions.
The contestant Antonietta received praise for her determination, earning her a score of 7. Despite occasionally wavering on decisions, especially with her daughter's input, she famously stuck with her own instincts throughout the game. Finally, she accepted 35,000 euros instead of holding out for higher stakes, summarizing her pragmatic approach to risk.
Ilenia Pastorelli, though charismatic, had her moments of missteps during the regional quiz, leading to her score of 6. Her playful personality shone through, but her incorrect responses provided ample fodder for humor and light-hearted banter with De Martino. Lino Guanciale, meanwhile, exhibited notable reticence throughout the night, settling for a low score of 5 as he appeared more reserved than usual.
Federica, Antonietta's daughter, struggled with the gameplay dynamics, receiving the lowest mark of 4 for her indecisiveness. Her attempts to advise her mother were often at odds with Antonietta's instinct, leading to confusion and frustration.
While the episode was marked with entertaining visuals and engaging segments, the show's extended runtime of two hours raised eyebrows. Participants and viewers alike expressed concerns over the pacing, with calls for refinement expressed online. While the lighthearted moments contributed to the viewer experience, many felt the prolonged gameplay testing their endurance—suggestions to adjust the format for next year might be on the table.
Meanwhile, the episode culminated with the announcement of winning tickets for the Lotteria Italia, adding excitement for fans. The top prizes included:
- 5 million euros sold in Somaglia, Lodi (Ticket T173756) - 2.5 million euros from Pesaro (Ticket T378442) - 2 million euros from Palermo (Ticket G330068) - 1.5 million euros from Turin (Ticket G173817) - 1 million euros from Dolo, Venice (Ticket S185025).
This celebratory episode of Affari Tuoi – Speciale Lotteria Italia not only entertained with its lively banter and celebrity interplay but also reminded viewers of the joy of winning and the excitement of the lottery. Fans are already counting down to what next year’s episode will bring!