The Fanning Verdict Eurovision 2021: Italy

Måneskin, Italy, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 — EBU / Andres Putting
Måneskin, Italy, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021

I’ve previously said what I think of the song during the ever-popular OnEurope Countdown 2021. It’s not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy something done well.

To me, ‘Zitti e buoni’ sounds cinematic, and ithe song gets a cinematic staging in Rotterdam. Obviously, you get the flashing lights and wheeling spots and a bank of lights centre stage on which the drummer plays. The band generate much power and the camera absolutely loves lead singer Damiano David.

He’s once more bare-chested though now in the outfit they’re down to wear come next Saturday. Ruby red industrial chic is the theme, with David wearing a high cut dungaree version.

We open with a shot through what looks like walls, producing a backstage effect, as David walks us centre stage to bow a greeting to the audience and it all goes off. The backdrop switching to dark red and sonic blue.

The camera shots work on the whole, with great use made of cutaways and aerial shots. We get close-ups of the full band and they use the whole stage. When David falls to the floor at the end, you get the sense he’s given this his all.

Måneskin is obviously a band who loves working together. They convey a closeness that’s often missing when you have a solo performer paired with four dancers they only just met.


The Fanning Verdict

Thumbs up iconMåneskin are riding high with bookmakers, but that’s usually the case with Italy. RAI rarely turns in a duff song or performance. This should score well, and almost surely be in the final shake-up. Given the other front-runners are more thoughtful ballads, could this break through and give the Italians the win they’ve been working towards since returning to the contest?

READ MY PREVIEW PARTY REVIEW

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