I don't have an extraordinary degree of self-confidence, but I know the gift I have been given from God, and I try to share it with as many people as possible.

I've always been on the side of science that tries to help man. I play an active part with the foundations I'm involved in. Science gives hope. If it were offered to me? Never say never. But I wouldn't kill or steal to have my sight. My blindness doesn't define my life.

Probably the first time I left Italy was to travel by train to Lourdes. I went with my mother and my grandmother – who was a very religious person – so it was a pilgrimage of sorts. I remember it as a very intense, but beautiful experience.

I loved riding bikes and horses. I was eight when I started having lessons, and when my father bought me my own horse I couldn’t wait to go off on my own.

The voice is something very mysterious. It’s difficult to say what is inside a voice that moves people.

The most stupid thing that a man can do in life is be bored.

I’ve always been on the side of science that tries to help man. I play an active part with the foundations I’m involved in. Science gives hope.

Now I’m more sure and I feel myself more comfortable singing.

I also always carry my flute. It’s very important for me to try to relax when I’m travelling, and playing my flute helps me to unwind.

I think I don’t want to use drugs or medicine, so nothing. The only way is to go on stage and to hope.