“I spoke with our two fellow citizens, who are in good condition. They will return to Italy soon. Their release is a strong signal from President Delcy Rodríguez, which the Italian government greatly appreciates,” said Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Why it matters: The release reinforces Rome’s sustained and discreet diplomatic engagement to secure the freedom of its nationals detained abroad. It follows a series of recent humanitarian outcomes involving Italian citizens in Venezuela.
Context: These dynamics are part of a broader “regime adjustment” triggered by the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro following a U.S. military operation ordered by President Donald Trump on January 3, 2026 — an unprecedented intervention that dramatically reshaped Caracas’ political landscape and signaled a new phase of external pressure on Venezuela.
The bottom line: The announcement comes shortly after Tajani confirmed the release of Italian citizen Biagio Pilieri, highlighting a pattern of incremental progress through quiet diplomacy and sustained pressure.
- With Trentini and Burlò now free, Italy underscores its focus on consular protection while signaling cautious optimism about Caracas’ willingness to engage on sensitive detainee cases.
