Who is Paolo Sarullo, guest at Sanremo 2026 on February 26?
Il 2026 Festival of Sanremo It's not just music and entertainment. On the third evening, scheduled Thursday February 26, there is also space for a testimony that has profoundly affected public opinion: that of Paolo Sarullo, a young man from Albenga whose story has become a symbol of a broader reflection on violence and bullying.
Why Paolo Sarullo is a guest at Sanremo
His involvement was presented by Carlo Conti, who explained how Paolo wanted to be physically present at the Ariston to tell his experience firsthand. His conditions do not allow him to participate live, but he will still be the protagonist with a special message aimed at the Festival audience. Its presence is part of the Festival's strategy of alternating entertainment with themes of strong social impact.
The attack that changed his life
The story of Paolo Sarullo dates back to May 19, 2024At the time, he was 23 years old and was returning home with a friend after a night out at a nightclub in the Savona area. Outside the club, he was attacked by a group of youths who were trying to steal his scooter. During the attack, he was punched, fell to the ground, and hit his head violently.
Transported to the hospital Holy Crown of Pietra LigureHe underwent two very lengthy surgeries. He survived, but remained in a coma for three months. When he awoke, the neurological consequences were severe: the use of his arms and legs was severely impaired.
The investigations and the sentence
After the attack, the perpetrators attempted to flee but were identified and arrested. A year after the events, the Court of Appeal confirms the criminal conviction for the person who actually punched the punch and orders a provisional compensation of 1 million and 270 thousand euros for Paul and 200 thousand euros for the mother.
The legal process represented an important step, but it did not erase the physical and psychological consequences of the attack.
The rehabilitation process
Today Paolo is 25 years old and faces a daily journey made of speech therapy and physiotherapy, with the goal of regaining independence and quality of life. Her story has been featured on several national television programs and now also comes to the Festival stage, on one of the most watched evenings of the year.
Paolo Sarullo's presence at Sanremo 2026 thus takes on a symbolic value: bringing a message against violence to prime time and reminding us how a single gesture can change a person's life forever.