Italian in Russia: Pupo returned to Moscow after scandal at home
The performer of the immortal hit Gelato al cioccolato, the Italian singer Pupo gave a concert in Moscow on July 30. He returned to Russia after a scandal in his homeland at the end of last year, when he was criticized by local media after an interview with Izvestia. The musician did not succumb to provocations and met with his fans again — now in the Green Theater at VDNKh. He urged not to believe those who say that Italians do not like Russia, accepted a portrait of Pushkin as a gift and included a Soviet hit in the program. You can find out how the creative meeting went in our article.
What connects Pupo with Russia
Pupo's interview with Izvestia in October 2025 caused a wide response in the Italian press. While youth and music publications supported the artist, paying attention to his call for the preservation of cultural dialogue between peoples, the major socio-political media expressed outrage at his straightforward position. The biggest criticism was caused by the words of the performer about his readiness to obtain Russian citizenship if the Italian authorities impose an official ban on travel to the Russian Federation. However, the attacks of journalists by Enzo Ginazzi (real name of the performer — Ed.) did not frighten.
— There is no scandal. This is a normal phenomenon for Europe — for Italy, for France. They have such a position against Russia. Everyone knows that. I don't have that position. I am a free man who follows his ideas. They canceled my concerts. Those were their ideas. But, fortunately, I don't have to follow the ideas of others. I have an idea that art, culture and sports should not be limited in any way. And I will continue to speak here until a law is passed that Italians will be banned from coming to Russia. But I hope this never happens. Well, then maybe I'll ask for a Russian passport (laughs)," Pupo said in an exclusive interview with Izvestia.
Pupo is not called an Italian singer with a Russian soul for nothing. The connection of Sanremo's main romantic with our country is unique: his first tour in the USSR took place in the 1980s, and since then the army of Russian fans has only been growing. As part of his summer tour of Russia, the Italian pop master has already given concerts in Nizhny Novgorod and Kaliningrad, and now he has returned to Moscow to perform at the VDNKH Green Theater.
By the beginning of the Italian disco star's show in the 1980s, the historic amphitheater was filled to capacity. When Pupo took the stage, the fangroup, which included both the audience of an elegant age and very young people, gave the artist a warm welcome — the hall exploded with applause.
"Italians love Russians. Don't believe those who say otherwise"
This time, the cheerful signor brought to the capital a special program dedicated to the 50th anniversary of his creative career. But the main focus of the evening was not so much cult hits as the artist's frank, almost familial communication with the audience. Pupo is generally known for his love of talking from the stage.
— Yesterday I was in Kaliningrad. Before that, in Nizhny Novgorod. And then I'll go to Sochi. I made my choice to be in Russia at this difficult moment," Pupo said at the beginning of his speech. — I first came to Russia in 1979. Many of you weren't even born then. And even then I was in love with your country. I decided to come here without an orchestra, with a guitar, because I'm at home today. Italians love Russians. Don't believe those who say otherwise.
The maestro joked a lot, warming the audience with the Italian temperament, showed family photos on the big screen and even talked about the death of his mother, who passed away a few months ago at the age of 93. He was also interested in the stories of the audience. One of the fans visited the musician's concert many years ago and now he has specially come from Kazan again.
—I remember you were young then," the actor joked and hugged the man.
Another fan asked to leave an autograph on a CD that he has kept since childhood. Pupo barely had time to accept the armfuls of flowers. A portrait of Alexander Pushkin became a special gift.
— Of course, I know Pushkin! In Russia, Pushkin is like Dante Alighieri for us," Pupo told Izvestia and promised to hang the portrait at home.
Between the dialogues, the iconic Gelato al cioccolato, Ciao, and the lyrical Su di noi sounded. The artist did not limit himself to his own repertoire. He included a recording of the great composition "Hope", created by Alexandra Pakhmutova and Nikolai Dobronravov, which he performed with Lev Leshchenko.
— It's a beautiful song. Very beautiful," Pupo said.
The Italian dedicated one of the songs to his countryman Toto Cutugno, who died in 2023. L'italiano was performed in his memory.
At the end of the evening, Enzo Ginazzi, who had already gone down to the hall more than once and did not limit fans in their desire to kiss him on the cheek, finally erased the boundary between himself and the audience. He invited everyone on stage to perform together one of the main Italian songs, Sarà perché ti amo by Ricchi e Poverty.
The concert at VDNKH proved that interest in the Italian stage in Russia does not fade, and the sincerity of the artist and the dedication of his listeners remain stronger than the language barrier. The next point on the map of Pupo's tours in Russia is Sochi, where the artist will perform on August 3.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
