Dynamic really is the word to describe Rocco. At the age of 34, he has lived many lives, studied many times and worked in various fields. From philosophy to economics, cook to accountant and city to city, Rocco is not one to stay still.
According to Rocco, “what he thinks about something now can easily change next year”, and this openness to change can be seen throughout his life. He began studying philosophy in Milan taking this all the way to masters level. During this time he spent his Erasmus in Budapest where he was exposed to a world of fresh ideas. He became drawn to the world of economics and after this he went on to study mathematics and statistics in Bologna, all while working as an accountant.
All of this training and experience in various fields prepared him well for the field of journalism. He is passionate about economic journalism and keeping up with the news in business. What he admires about this type of writing is how the journalists are known for their astute observations and that they stand by them. Rocco aspires to be this type of journalist who is certain of his analysis. This is what drew him to this particular programme as it is a space where he can master the development of his own ideas and outlooks.
Aside from his professional aspirations, Rocco is passionate about cinema. This love for cinema began in quite a beautiful way, sparked by his mother who he said “used to watch a film every single night while she did the ironing”. He used to join her in this nightly routine and it became a core part of his childhood. Unfortunately this came to an end when his mother got a tumble dryer and no longer had to iron. With the end of the evening ironing, along came the end of the nightly movies. However, his love for cinema continues to this day. Rocco loves Italian and French cinema, some of his favourite films being Pane e Tulipani, La crisi! and Borotalco. Of course along with the Hollywood classics, especially Woody Allen’s films.
His eclectic taste extends to music as well. He enjoys music from many genres, some of his favourites being rock, pop and rap. Among the best concerts he has attended are those of Francesco Guccini, James Senese, Santana and Lady Gaga. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his music taste.
Aside from music and cinema, he also loved food and to cook. In fact he spent some time working as a cook in a restaurant in Orsigna, a sharp contrast to the life of an accountant. There, a world away from the logical structure of accounting he learnt a lot there but his favourite dish to make is Gnocchi di Farina di Castagne.
Travelling is also an important element of life. Aside from his Erasmus in Budapest and other travels, his favourite place is a little closer to home. The first place that came to mind was the beautiful island of Stromboli, off the coast of Sicily. This island, which is dominated by an active volcano is the perfect place to escape busy life and to be present.
At the moment, what he is most excited about this new chapter in Rome. Rocco always felt drawn to the capital and he is excited to get stuck into life in Rome. He loves that despite the immense size of Rome, you manage to find the sense of community in all the different neighbourhoods and spaces that you encounter in the Eternal City.
Rocco is clearly a man of many talents and willing to turn his hand at new things. Rome, being a city that is always moving and constantly changing is the perfect environment to nurture this.
