As she approaches her 50th birthday, former Miss Italia Martina Colombari opens up about the challenges faced by her son, Achille Costacurta, and reflects on her journey as a mother in the spotlight. Achille, now 20, has navigated a turbulent path marked by social media scrutiny and personal struggles, a journey that has deeply impacted both mother and son.
Martina Colombari, who won the Miss Italia title in 1991, has transitioned from beauty queen to a multifaceted career in modeling, television, and theater. With her birthday approaching on July 10, 2025, she finds herself at a significant crossroads in life, both personally and professionally.
In a candid interview with Corriere della Sera, Colombari discussed the difficult period that Achille endured last summer, which included controversial social media posts that drew public ire. "Achille is doing better now. His story is one that many adolescents and post-adolescents can relate to in this complicated world," she explained. "The social media backlash was intense because he is the son of two famous figures, but there are countless situations like his."
Colombari emphasized her efforts to support Achille during this challenging time. "I was there for him as best as I could, doing what I needed to understand his distress. Now, everything is clearer, and he is being followed by the right people. It took time, but we were always there for him," she said.
However, the scrutiny has not only affected Achille; it has also taken a toll on Colombari herself. She recounted a particularly painful moment when a journalist publicly suggested that Achille needed a mother who was "more mother and less woman." Colombari called this remark "the greatest cruelty a woman can say to another." She added, "I had my own struggles, but I found support along the way."
As a mother, Colombari learned valuable lessons from Achille's experiences. "He taught me that I can't control everything. A parent isn’t a policeman; at some point, you have to step back. I follow Dr. Mendolicchio, who is the medical director of the center for eating disorders in Piancavallo. I have friends with children who suffer from similar issues, and others who have kids that haven’t left their homes for years. Sharing experiences is important, and we shouldn’t judge one another. It often seems like everyone wants to parent better than you do," she advised.
Martina and her husband, former footballer Billy Costacurta, have been a united front throughout these challenges. Married for nearly 30 years, the couple maintains a strong bond, even as they navigate the complexities of parenting a teenager. "We don’t jump on each other every night, but I still attract him physically. That’s why I always go to the gym; I wouldn’t tolerate him finding a 30-year-old mistress," Colombari joked. "We are almost unique in a world filled with divorces and separations. I’m from Romagna, and he’s from Padua/Friuli; I’m outgoing and egocentric, while he is not. We balance each other out. Our intimacy and serenity have evolved our love, and I wouldn’t want a relationship like I had when I was 20. Caring is love; taking time for oneself while knowing it’s okay for the other person is love."
Colombari also reflected on her past relationships, particularly her romance with former skier Alberto Tomba. "We don’t communicate much anymore, but we send messages when we are in places we once visited together. Our story was like a Disney fairy tale, the champion and the most beautiful woman in Italy. It ended because I stepped out of the shadows, and everyone hated me for taking the spotlight away from him," she reminisced.
Despite the past, Colombari is focused on the future, both for herself and for Achille. She expressed a desire to celebrate her milestone birthday with a unique experience, hinting at a parachute jump that was initially planned but canceled due to bad weather. "I’d love to do something memorable, like a trip with Achille," she mused.
As for Achille, he has made significant strides since his struggles became public. He previously admitted to battling drug use and attended a recovery center in Parma from ages 15 to 17. Recently, he spent time in Marbella, Spain, for detoxification before returning to Italy, where he visited his great-grandmother’s house in Rimini. His journey is ongoing, but he appears to be embracing a healthier lifestyle, sharing glimpses of his recovery and newfound joy on social media.
"Achille has faced many challenges, and while the road to recovery is long, he is putting in the effort, and the results are beginning to show," Colombari noted with optimism.
As she prepares for her 50th birthday, Colombari reflects on the lessons learned through motherhood and the importance of resilience. She stands as a testament to the complexities of parenting in the public eye, navigating both personal and professional challenges while remaining committed to her family.
In a world where social media can amplify scrutiny, Colombari’s story serves as a reminder of the shared struggles many families face, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and support.
