On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Eleonora Abbagnato, the renowned Italian ballet star and principal dancer at the Paris Opera, will appear on Rai 2's show 'Storie di donne al bivio' hosted by Monica Setta at 3 PM. In this episode, Abbagnato will delve into her personal life, particularly her feelings of jealousy towards Diletta Leotta, a prominent sports journalist who worked alongside her husband, ex-footballer Federico Balzaretti.
Abbagnato, who has been married to Balzaretti since 2011, will openly discuss the tensions that arose when her husband collaborated with Leotta during his time at Dazn. The couple shares two children, Julia and Gabriel, and also co-parent Balzaretti's two daughters from his previous marriage, Lucrezia and Ginevra.
During a previous appearance on the show 'Obbligo o verità' with Alessia Marcuzzi, Abbagnato had hinted at her jealousy, referring to a 'bella ragazza' working with her husband. She later confirmed that this was indeed Leotta, stating, "Yes, that woman was Diletta Leotta." This revelation has sparked considerable interest, as it sheds light on the dynamics of their relationships.
Abbagnato's jealousy stemmed from her perception of Leotta's confidence and the close rapport she shared with Balzaretti. "When my husband worked on TV with a beautiful girl, I was very jealous. I would mimic him, create scenes... she would get too close to him," Abbagnato confessed, adding humorously, "I don’t have her curves, unfortunately." This candid admission has resonated with many, as it reflects the insecurities that can arise in relationships.
In her conversation with Setta, Abbagnato recounted a specific encounter with Leotta in Milan. "I happened to meet her while she was working with Federico at Dazn, and she seemed to have an excessive familiarity with him. I immediately introduced myself formally: 'Nice to meet you, I am his wife.'" This assertive approach highlights Abbagnato's desire to establish boundaries and clarify her position.
Despite her initial feelings of jealousy, Abbagnato emphasized that there was never anything more than a professional relationship between Balzaretti and Leotta. "There has only ever been work between them," she asserted. However, the memes circulating online that depicted Leotta and Balzaretti in romantic scenarios were particularly distressing for her. "Those drove me crazy," she admitted, acknowledging the impact of social media on her emotions.
Abbagnato's openness about her feelings reveals a more vulnerable side to the glamorous life of a ballet star. She expressed her trust in her husband, stating, "I respect my husband; I don’t know how to use the model of cell phone he has, nor have I ever thought of stealing his password to spy on his conversations. I trust him; he loves me as he did when we first met." This trust is a cornerstone of their relationship, which Abbagnato attributes to her attentiveness to anything that might disrupt their bond.
Reflecting on their family life, Abbagnato shared that she feels a strong connection to Balzaretti's daughters from his first marriage. "Lucrezia and Ginevra are my daughters from the first day I wanted them to be with us at home," she stated, despite initial hesitations from her own mother regarding their blended family. Abbagnato was particularly moved by Balzaretti's relationship with his daughters, noting, "Even though I was scared because I was free, I understood that he had these two jewels and I had to take care of them as if they were my own children. They are two special girls."
The couple's love story began in Palermo, where they first met while Balzaretti was playing soccer. Abbagnato fondly recalled Balzaretti's introduction: "'I have two daughters' was the first thing he said when we met." This initial conversation laid the foundation for their relationship, which quickly blossomed into marriage. They tied the knot after a year of dating, and soon welcomed their first child, Julia.
As for expanding their family further, Abbagnato revealed that Gabriel has expressed a desire for a younger sibling. "Gabriel asks me for a little brother because there are more girls in our house, but I don’t think I’ll accommodate him. We’re already doing well as we are," she said, indicating her contentment with their current family dynamic.
In conclusion, Eleonora Abbagnato's candid discussion about her feelings of jealousy and the dynamics of her family life provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal struggles faced by public figures. Her ability to address these issues openly not only humanizes her but also resonates with many who navigate similar challenges in their relationships.
