Matteo Salvini, a prominent figure in Italian politics as Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lega party, has experienced a dynamic and often public romantic life that has unfolded alongside his political career. From early marriages to high-profile relationships, his personal journey has frequently captured media attention, offering glimpses into the man behind the political persona. His romantic history reflects a progression from more private beginnings to relationships that became subjects of national discussion, culminating in his current partnership.
Salvini's first significant public relationship was with Fabrizia Ieluzzi, a journalist. They married in 2003, and their union saw the birth of their son, Federico, in the same year. Ieluzzi, who worked as a radio journalist focusing on politics, met Salvini when he was a municipal councilor in Milan. Their marriage, however, was relatively brief, with the couple divorcing in 2010. An anecdote from their wedding day, as recounted by Ieluzzi, highlighted early tensions: Salvini and his friends reportedly chanted anti-Southern slogans, causing discomfort among her Southern Italian relatives.
Following his divorce from Fabrizia Ieluzzi, Salvini entered a long-term relationship with Giulia Martinelli, a lawyer from Como. This partnership was more private than his subsequent high-profile romances but was significant, as they had a daughter together, Mirta, born in December 2012. Their relationship lasted for approximately four years. While the exact reasons for their separation were not widely publicized, some reports suggested that the emergence of his next relationship played a role in their breakup, although Salvini himself denied such claims.
One of Salvini's most publicly scrutinized relationships was with television presenter Elisa Isoardi. Their romance began around 2015 and quickly became a staple in Italian gossip magazines, with paparazzi frequently documenting their outings. Isoardi, a well-known TV host, often appeared alongside Salvini at public events, and their relationship contributed to his growing public image. The couple's three-year relationship was frequently covered, from romantic getaways to their daily lives.
The end of Salvini's relationship with Elisa Isoardi was as public as its beginning. In November 2018, Isoardi announced their split via an Instagram post that included a selfie of them in bed, accompanied by a poignant message. She wrote, > "It's not what we gave each other that I will miss but what we still could have given each other… With enormous respect for the true love that was, thank you, Matteo." Salvini later responded, stating he was "sad but content" and that demanding work schedules and the distance created by their respective careers were factors in their separation.
Since April 2019, Matteo Salvini has been in a relationship with Francesca Verdini. Verdini is the daughter of Denis Verdini, a former politician, which connects her to the political sphere. Their relationship quickly became public, with Salvini frequently sharing photos of them together on his social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. They have made numerous public appearances together, signaling a stable and committed partnership.
Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and a relatively more private, yet still visible, presence compared to the intense media scrutiny of his previous high-profile romance. Francesca Verdini often accompanies Salvini to events, and he frequently posts pictures of them, showcasing their bond. This current relationship marks a continued chapter in Salvini's romantic history, demonstrating his preference for public partnerships that intertwine with his political life. His romantic journey, from early family life to high-profile celebrity dating and his current stable partnership, has consistently drawn public interest, reflecting the multifaceted nature of a prominent public figure's personal life.