Francesca Fagnani's provocative interview show, Belve, made its much-anticipated return to Rai 2 on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, kicking off its new season with a lineup of intriguing guests and powerful confessions. The first episode featured actress Sabrina Impacciatore, Olympic sprinter Marcell Jacobs, and actress Nathalie Guetta, each offering a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.
Fagnani, known for her sharp wit and incisive questioning, opened the show with a humorous introduction. She described Impacciatore as "the only international star who can boast both a nomination for an Emmy and a role in Cruciverbone" while Jacobs was humorously noted for having "come running" to the show. Guetta, on the other hand, was introduced with a nod to her aspirations of becoming a character in a Fellini film, only to end up as the beloved perpetual character in Don Matteo.
As the first guest, Sabrina Impacciatore brought an emotional intensity to the show, earning a score of 9 for her candidness. Describing herself as "the zoo," she shared her experiences with vulnerability and self-discovery. "I am an emotional virgin," she confessed, revealing her struggles with self-identity and the pressures of public life. Her description of her spirit animal, a deer, and her candid admission of jealousy in relationships, particularly within the context of her queer icon status, painted a vivid picture of her complex personality.
Impacciatore's journey has been marked by a series of highs and lows, including her historic Emmy nomination, which she described as "one of the greatest emotions of my life, a mystical joy that showed me my life is right." Yet, she also shared the pain of rejection, recalling a time when she believed she was cast for a role only to see it go to Penelope Cruz. "I was desperate, I even went to therapy dressed as the character," she said, highlighting her dedication to her craft.
Marcell Jacobs followed with a more subdued but equally compelling narrative, receiving a score of 7. His story was one of resilience, as he spoke about growing up without a father and the emotional barriers he had to overcome before competing in the Olympics. "I built a wall inside myself that I had to break down before the Games," he reflected, sharing insights into the mental challenges athletes face. Jacobs also addressed doping allegations that have plagued his career, stating, "The biggest pain doesn’t come from external accusations but from the doubts of those who should be on my side." His honesty about his struggles with trust and loneliness resonated deeply with viewers.
Nathalie Guetta, the third guest, brought a different energy to the show, earning a score of 5. Known for her role as Natalina in Don Matteo, Guetta's interview was marked by her candid yet somewhat disjointed reflections on her career. She expressed regret over not being more aggressive in her pursuits, saying, "Not being a 'zoc***la' has really been a handicap for me!" Her humorous exchanges with Fagnani, including a light-hearted jab about her brother David Guetta, showcased her personality but also revealed a struggle between her public persona and private self. "I’ve lived a life in solitude without ever really changing," she admitted, hinting at a deeper dissatisfaction with her career trajectory.
Throughout the episode, Francesca Fagnani remained a skilled moderator, though her approach seemed softer than in previous seasons. She balanced her incisive questioning with moments of empathy, particularly when discussing sensitive topics with her guests. Her ability to navigate the complexities of each guest's narrative allowed for an engaging and thought-provoking episode.
Despite the varied scores—9 for Impacciatore, 7 for Jacobs, and 5 for Guetta—the first episode of the new season of Belve reaffirmed its status as a platform for authentic storytelling. The show continues to be one of the few spaces where guests can share their truths without filters, creating a space for meaningful dialogue.
As the season progresses, viewers are left wondering how Fagnani will continue to balance her sharp interviewing style with the need for compassion and understanding. The return of Belve not only marks a continuation of Fagnani's legacy as an interviewer but also highlights the importance of vulnerability and honesty in a world often dominated by superficiality.
