Miss Italia Finalists Shine on Lake Garda Shore
The lakefront suddenly reveals itself as the capital of beauty. This time, it’s not about the natural richness of the landscape and its wide horizons over azure Lake Garda. Less prosaically, it’s about the curves, sorry, the grace, that the fairer sex knows how to bestow.
Indeed, because right on the lakeshore, in the picturesque park of Villa Carrara Bottagisio, on the eve of Ferragosto, Sara Geroin from Povegliano and Valentina Serugeri from Verona secured tickets to the final phase of the Miss Italia contest. Crowned at the Cantalago, the Garda Festival, the two Verona contestants—blonde the first, brunette the second—then dazzled in San Benedetto del Tronto and later in Salsomaggiore, where they entered the group of the 60 most beautiful girls in Italy.
The experiences of the finalists
A fairy tale played out in front of millions of viewers, directed by Mamma Rai and dad Fabrizio Frizzi. “Frizzi is a wonderful person. He was with us and shared our anxieties, always ready to help,” says Valentina over the phone from her home in the Saval area. In the background, her mother Mara’s voice can be heard, ready to prompt her daughter when asked questions. An overprotective attitude that Valentina seems not to need at all, with her fluent speech and clear ideas.
The eighteen-year-old from Verona, graduated in advertising graphics and awaiting employment, gladly shares the emotions and behind-the-scenes moments of Italy’s most beloved contest. “It was a great experience, but also exhausting. Basically, we couldn’t sleep more than 4 hours. Wake up at seven, half an hour for breakfast, photoshoots, then all to the venue to practice dances and walks. Lunch at 1:30 p.m., then more rehearsals. Followed by time for makeup and at 7 p.m., dressed sharply for the evening. Dinner, consisting of steak and potatoes, was packed to go. After the live broadcast, it was quick to change into the clothes provided by the organizers and return to the hotel.” A shower and then to bed. The next day, it was mandatory to arrive with washed hair.
“In the room, I was with Marina and Virginia. Yes, Lolli from Genoa, who finished sixth. I bonded especially well with her and Erika Turina from Pescantina.” Valentina confirms the old adage that not all that glitters is gold. “Forget about being a big family. Rivalries were obvious. There were even clans. At the table, we split up by regions. I tried once to sit with other girls, but I was immediately called back by the other Misses.” And what about the jitters on camera? “I was more nervous during rehearsals. On camera, I felt calm and confident. Of course, Giovanna Arco made a mistake contesting Frizzi’s questions. There was no time for deep discussions.”
And now? “First, I hope to find a job as an advertising graphic artist, then, of course, I’d like to stay in television—perhaps as a presenter or a fashion model.” One thing’s for sure: the lovely Valentina has no shortage of numbers (85 – 58 – 88 for a height of 1.70 meters).