Manuela Moreno has shared a video on her Instagram profile suggesting that Monica Leofreddi will leave Rai, Italy’s public broadcaster, to join Mediaset, a private media company. In the clip, Leofreddi responds to Moreno’s question about her upcoming vacation with a brief reply, followed by a cryptic remark implying a change in her professional path. “When will you return?” Moreno asks, to which Leofreddi replies, “Where am I going? When will I come back?” The exchange ends with Leofreddi saying, “Goodbye, you’re my last visit in Rai this summer,” prompting Moreno to respond, “Are you sure? I’ll miss you.” The conversation appears to confirm Leofreddi’s impending departure from Rai, where she has been a regular contributor to programs hosted by journalist Milo Infante. Infante, who recently left Rai, is set to launch new shows on Mediaset’s channels. His debut on Rete 4 is scheduled for August 24, starting with a morning show titled Ore 11. That same day, a midday program will air on Canale 5, and over the following two weeks, a late afternoon segment will run. On September 1, Infante will present his first prime-time show, Verità Nascoste, on Rete 4. Leofreddi’s move would mark a continuation of her collaboration with Infante, whom she has worked with extensively within Rai. Earlier, Infante had expressed confidence in their partnership, stating, “She will always be with me, all her life.” This sentiment suggests a long-term professional relationship, even as Leofreddi transitions to Mediaset. The shift aligns with broader changes in Italian television, where public broadcasters increasingly face competition from private networks offering more flexible programming and higher budgets. The transition comes amid ongoing restructuring within Rai, which has seen several high-profile departures in recent months. Infante’s exit from Rai was part of a larger reshuffling of talent, as the broadcaster seeks to modernize its content and attract younger audiences. Mediaset, known for its entertainment-driven approach, has been actively recruiting journalists and commentators from Rai, further blurring the lines between public and private media sectors. Leofreddi’s potential move to Mediaset would place her in a different environment, one that emphasizes ratings and audience engagement over the more traditional, state-supported model of Rai. While details remain speculative, the video exchanged between Leofreddi and Moreno indicates a mutual understanding of the direction Leofreddi is taking. The tone of their dialogue, personal yet professional, suggests a respectful farewell rather than a sudden rupture. For now, the situation remains fluid. While Leofreddi’s departure from Rai seems likely, official confirmation has not yet been made. Mediaset has not publicly announced her hiring, nor has Rai confirmed her resignation. However, given the context of recent staff movements and the nature of the video, many industry observers expect the transition to proceed smoothly. If Leofreddi joins Mediaset, she will be joining a network that has already welcomed other Rai-based personalities, including former sports commentator Gianluca Pagliuca and political analyst Enrico Ghezzi. As the media landscape in Italy continues to evolve, the movement of figures like Leofreddi reflects broader trends in how talent is distributed across platforms. Whether this marks a permanent shift or a temporary realignment remains unclear, but the video between Leofreddi and Moreno offers a glimpse into the personal side of such career decisions.
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