The Island seen through the eyes of Melissa Satta

A conversation with the showgirl about her career, her roots and her passion for sport

If you asked Melissa Satta to close her myrtle-coloured eyes and tell you which sea she is most attached to, without hesitation she would answer that of her Sardinia.

Showgirl, model and TV presenter born in Boston to Sardinian parents, and an Italian fashion icon, her mantra is “I look forward and I look up”, and who can blame her. An enterprising woman and one of the most famous showgirls on Italian television, her type of beauty has always been considered symbolic of her Sardinian origins, a magical land from which wonderful souls come.

Co-presenter of the Globe Soccer Awards at Cala di Volpe, we had the chance to meet her.

Television launched your career, and it is still an important part of your work, especially the sports broadcasts. Can you tell us about your journey?

My journey began in Milan when I moved there from Sardinia in 2024 to continue my education. My start in TV came the following year, 2005, with my debut as showgirl on Striscia la notizia. In 2007 it was the turn of MTV, as presenter of TRL on Tour together with Alessandro Cattelan. With regard to football, from 2013 to 2018 I was co-presenter with Pierluigi Pardo of the sports program Tki Taka – football is our game on Italia 1. In 2021 came Sky Calcio Club and Gol Deejay.

Certainly yes, my passion for sport was one of the drivers behind some of my choices and I consider it a fundamental part of who I am. I still play many sports today and I am very passionate about them.

You were involved in the Globe Soccer Awards at Cala di Volpe. What struck you about the event and its protagonists?

It was truly exciting to welcome such a large turnout of spectators and enthusiasts, especially out of season. And it was an honour to celebrate the best of European football, with champions such as Kylian Mbappé, Xabi Alonso and Lamine Yamal. But there was also a lot of Italy at the Globe Soccer European Awards: Luciano Spalletti, Gabriele Gravina, Gigi Buffon and many others were present.

You were born in Boston, but grew up in Sardinia, where your family still lives, A memory of your adolescence on the Island?

Growing up on this fantastic island gave me the chance to take part in lots of sports after school – from golf to horse riding, sailing, wakeboarding, karate and football.

Which place of the north-east coast of Sardinia do you love best?

My home.

Sardinia is one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones. What do you think is the secret to longevity on the Island?

The secret lies in the quality of life, the water, the air, the food and the scent of the sea that seems to pervade the entire atmosphere. In a less hurried way of life, still very much in tune with nature.

Do you still come here on holiday? What does a typical day look like?

Of course, holidays mean only Sardinia for me. I love waking up early and going for a run or a game of tennis. And then long days on the beach with my son, who loves going jet skiing. I got my boat licence especially for him.

Which Sardinian dish reminds you of your childhood?

I love pasta, one of my favourite dishes is ravioli stuffed with sweet ricotta.

Future plans?

My work is constantly changing so it’s impossible to make too many long term plans. Now it’s time to think about the new season, a lot of ‘work in progress’.