Italy – Il Gazzettino, Nov. 28, 2025
Giovanni Umberto De Vito: “Alberto is not alone; we are committed to securing his release.”
“Trentini’s condition is improving.” This is the message coming from the prison where he has been held for over a year. Yesterday, Alberto Trentini received a visit from Italy’s ambassador to Venezuela, Giovanni Umberto De Vito.
It is a sign that something is moving and that the case of the Venezuelan aid worker, originally from the Lido of Venice, is being followed closely. “Alberto is not alone, and the authorities are working to achieve his release as soon as possible,”is the message reaching the lagoon as well. De Vito, who has been working in close coordination with Rome’s special envoy to Caracas, Luigi Vignali, carried out a consular visit yesterday at the El Rodeo II prison — considered one of the toughest in Venezuela — during which he was also able to meet another detainee, Mario Burlò.
THE VISIT
The ambassador later informed Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he found Trentini in better spirits compared to the previous visit. The visit — the Foreign Ministry (Farnesina) said in a brief statement — was part of the political and diplomatic effort that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have been developing for months to secure the release of all detained Italian citizens.
Another important aspect of the visit is that Ambassador De Vito, who is from Verona and known for his experience and reliability, was able to contact Alberto’s parents — his mother Armanda Colusso and his father Ezio — after meeting with their son. He reassured them and provided fresh updates after seeing him in person. The visit was also made possible through an agreement with Venezuelan authorities, which may be interpreted as a positive sign — a slight “thaw” in relations between Italy and Venezuela.
