Renowned Italian singer Gino Paoli passed away on March 24, 2026 at the age of 91. His private life, especially his relationship with actress Stefania Sandrelli, remains one of the most controversial and memorable stories of Italian culture.
Stefania was only 15 years old when she first saw Paoli at the famous club "La Bussola", in Versilia, where he was singing. He was already a well-known artist, 30 years old and married. According to Sandrelli, a strong passion immediately arose between them. Their relationship began in secret, while Stefania was trying to build a career as an actress.
In the early 1960s she became one of the stars of Italian cinema thanks to films such as “Il federale”, “Divorzio all'italiana” and “Sedotta e abbandonata”. Meanwhile, her relationship with Paoli began to cool. The artist dedicated the famous song “Sapore di sale” to her, but this did not change the course of their relationship.
In a moment of despair, Paoli attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chest; the bullet missed his heart by just a few millimeters. Stefania immediately went to his side and assisted him during his recovery.
In 1964, their daughter Amanda was born, who took her mother's surname. Her birth caused a major scandal in Italy, as Paoli was still married and was also becoming the father of a son with his wife.
The relationship between Paoli and Sandrelli ended in 1968, but the bond between them was never completely severed. Over the years, the former passion turned into mutual respect and admiration.
As Stefania Sandrelli herself has said in interviews:
"The passion that connected me with him half a century ago has transformed into an unlimited admiration for his talent."
