Who Is Italian Investigative Journalist Sigfrido Ranucci? Bombing Survivor

Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci has reportedly been targeted in a car bombing. The incident has drawn attention to Ranucci's prominent role in exposing corruption and his reputation for fearless investigative reporting in Italy.

Attack on Investigative Journalist Sparks Outrage in Italy

The world of Italian journalism was jolted on the night of October 17, 2025, when an explosive device detonated just south of Rome. The target was unmistakable: Sigfrido Ranucci, a leading figure in investigative reporting and the well-known host of the program Report on the third channel of RAI. Although no one was injured in the blast, damage spread beyond Ranucci’s personal vehicle, with the facade of his family home and his daughter’s car also suffering significant harm.

Strong Political and Institutional Reactions

The incident triggered swift and unified reactions across Italy’s political spectrum. Expressions of solidarity poured in from both government and opposition leaders. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a sharp condemnation, describing the event as a “serious act of intimidation.” In a move reflecting the gravity of the attack, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi ordered the highest level of police protection for Ranucci. Responsibility for the investigation has been assigned to Rome’s anti-mafia prosecutor’s office, while local police have made it clear that bringing those responsible to justice is a top priority.

A Dangerous Climate for Italian Journalists

This brazen attack comes against a backdrop of escalating threats to reporters across Italy. According to the latest 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Italy now ranks only 49th globally for press freedom. The risks are particularly acute for those covering organized crime or political corruption, who frequently face:

• Physical assaults and recurring threats.
• Criminal acts targeting both professional and personal property.
• Ongoing police protection for reporters at serious risk.

RSF’s figures suggest around twenty journalists currently live under constant escort, as intimidation tactics become more sophisticated and relentless—ranging from arson attacks on cars to orchestrated harassment campaigns online.

The Enduring Commitment to Investigative Journalism

At age 64, Sigfrido Ranucci remains a symbol of unwavering dedication in the face of adversity. Since joining the RAI in 1989, he has reported from conflict zones as diverse as the Balkans and post-9/11 United States. Inheriting the leadership of Report from Milena Gabanelli in 2017, Ranucci’s editorial team continues to promise hard-hitting coverage on controversial topics—from public finances to education and banking. Yet, this latest attack throws into stark relief the growing precarity facing investigative reporters in Italy, where exposing uncomfortable truths often means living—and working—under constant threat.