Ranucci defends Lavitola after investigation into bomb near journalist’s home: I trust him, but some points remain unclear

Sigfrido Ranucci has spoken out after businessman and former journalist Valter Lavitola was placed under investigation in connection with the bomb explosion that took place on October 16 last year near the journalist’s home in Campo Ascolano, near Rome.

In remarks to Corriere della Sera, Ranucci said the development had shaken him, stressing that he has had a friendly relationship with Lavitola for years.

The journalist said that the following evening, Lavitola called him while the Carabinieri were carrying out searches at his home. According to Ranucci, he was very worried, and he himself was also surprised by the direction the investigation was taking.

According to him, he first got to know Lavitola in 2019, after carrying out several investigations into the latter’s activities, adding that he has never kept this relationship secret.

“I am Valter’s friend. I often go to eat at his restaurant, at least once every two weeks. It is a friendship I have never denied,” he said.

Speaking about the bomb attack on his home, Ranucci said he does not believe Lavitola intended to harm him or his family.

“I have complete confidence in the work of the prosecutors and the Carabinieri. However, in my view, there is something that does not add up. For example, he could not have known what time I would return home that evening. I have reread our messages and I think there are still many things that need to be clarified,” the journalist said.

Asked about the possible motive for the attack, should Lavitola’s involvement be proven, Ranucci put forward his own hypothesis.

“I think there was a sincere friendship between us. So I imagine, but this is only my own hypothesis, that the attack was not aimed at me, but perhaps at someone else, to prevent me from obtaining some information. For that reason, I believe he would never have wanted to hurt me,” he said.

Ranucci also rejected claims that the incident may have served him by drawing more public attention.

“That is absurd. On the contrary, I would like to have less attention. The idea that the bomb was a favor to me or that I was seeking solidarity is completely senseless,” Ranucci said.

He also confirmed that Lavitola had ties to important figures in Italian politics and that he had tried to help him arrange an interview with Marcello Dell’Utri.

In conclusion, the journalist said the investigation still has to clarify several significant elements of the case. He mentioned a part of the case file in which one of those arrested speaks about a person identified only as “Corrado,” whose identity and role, according to Ranucci, remain unclear.