After nearly two decades together, Italian dancer and television personality Rossella Brescia and choreographer Luciano Cannito have ended their relationship. The split, initially reported in July 2024, was confirmed by Brescia in recent interviews, revealing a quiet unraveling of a partnership that began on the set of the Italian talent show Amici in 2007.
The couple first connected when Cannito, a classical dance instructor on Amici, was struck by Brescia’s elegance while she was a guest judge evaluating the dancers. He subsequently contacted her to offer a role in his theatrical production of “Carmen,” sparking both a professional and personal connection. Their relationship blossomed during the months-long tour of the show, nurtured by shared passions and a desire for privacy. They maintained a relatively low profile, only appearing publicly together a year later at the premiere of the musical “Maria di Nazareth una storia che continua” in 2008.
While the initial stages of their relationship were marked by artistic collaboration and a deliberate avoidance of the spotlight, the separation appears to have stemmed from a fundamental shift in Brescia’s perspective on long-term commitment. In a recent interview with Oggi, Brescia expressed a longing for the kind of enduring love she witnessed in her parents’ 60-year marriage, a vision she no longer believed was attainable with Cannito. “I thought we were heading towards that kind of love that I saw between my parents, 60 years of marriage,” she said. “I don’t blame him, but myself: I never learn.”
Cannito, speaking on the television program Verissimo, echoed the sentiment of a gradual divergence. He stated, “I will always love Rossella Brescia. But I had to let her go, this is why.” He emphasized that despite the breakup, a deep affection remains. He also acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, suggesting it wasn’t one he actively sought.
The reasons behind the split, while emotionally charged for Brescia, appear to center on a lack of future vision within the relationship. She described a feeling of stagnation, stating, “I believe in love, but it doesn’t make me dream anymore.” This sentiment was further elaborated upon in an interview with Mediaset Infinity, where Brescia expressed a desire for more clarity in the relationship that was ultimately not forthcoming. “I would have preferred a little more clarity,” she admitted.
The breakup follows a nearly 20-year relationship, and both parties have emphasized the continued respect and friendship that exists between them. Brescia noted she remains in contact with Cannito’s daughter, whom she has watched grow up, and expressed a desire to maintain harmony with those around her. Cannito, for his part, has not publicly offered extensive details about the separation beyond acknowledging the pain and the finality of the decision.
The news of the split initially surfaced through Italian gossip columnist Deianira Marzano in July 2024, and was later confirmed by entertainment journalist Gabriele Parpiglia. The confirmation from Brescia and Cannito themselves, however, provides a more nuanced understanding of the circumstances surrounding the end of their long-term partnership. Cannito’s comments on Verissimo, particularly his statement about continuing to love Brescia, suggest a mutual understanding and a desire to navigate the separation with grace.
The couple’s story, from their initial meeting on the set of Amici to their quiet life together away from the constant glare of the paparazzi, represents a notable chapter in Italian entertainment. While the relationship has ended, both Brescia and Cannito appear to be approaching the future with a sense of acceptance and a commitment to maintaining a respectful connection.
