Italian student Davide Cavallo forgives attacker after stabbing leaves him disabled

Davide Cavallo, a 22‑year‑old university student from Bologna, was attacked during a robbery on 12 October in Como, Italy. The assailants demanded a cigarette and €50; one of them, Alessandro Chiani, stabbed Cavallo, causing a permanent spinal injury that left him using crutches.

In a court hearing, Cavallo appeared with his parents and lawyers, publicly stating that he does not hate his attacker and hopes he will have a better future. The judge sentenced Chiani to 20 years in prison for attempted homicide and robbery, while a second participant, Ahmed Atia, received 10 months for failure to assist. The court also ordered provisional compensation of €500,000 for Cavallo and €50,000 each for his parents and younger brother.

Cavallo’s forgiveness and the severe sentences highlight the case’s emotional and legal weight, while the compensation aims to address the lasting impact of his injuries.