Here's the final batch of this year's lot. Definitely a few here that should be high on Moopy's radar.
22. Rocco Hunt – Mille vote ancora
Rap meets pop #2. Rocco describes himself as an urban poet, however he was also behind Ana Mena’s '
Duecentomila ore' so make of that what you will.
The song is about his origins and challenges of growing up in Naples. Geodude benefited from the Neapolitan regional televoting block last year. However, Rocco isn’t Geodude and a repeat is probably not on the cards. He'll be bringing a party vibe to the stage for what is in effect socially conscious rap.
23. Rose Villain - Fuorilegge
Last year the fabulously named Rose Villain served up 'Click Boom!' (Ballad but make it KANT). She was disappointed with a 23rd place finish. Yet it was the 10th biggest hit of the year, with nearly 80 million streams to its name. Rose says this is the mother rather than successor to 'Click Boom!' Either way, the song is a step up and less disjointed than the ballad verse/pop chorus she brought last year.
24. Sarah Toscano - Amarcord
Sarah is the most recent winner of Amici (think Fame Academy). Angelina Mango went from reality tv winner to Sanremo winner last year. No doubt Sarah will be hoping she can repeat the same formula.
Working with the same songwriting and production team behind some of Paola & Chiara’s recent material, we’ve been promised full-on dance pop. If this is anything like her recent singles it’ll be CHEAP TAT

. She quotes Édith Piaf and Fellini in the lyrics amid an attempt at a dodgy whistle note. She'll nail it on the night or be a car-crash for the ages. There is no middle ground but it will be phenomenal either way.
Probably the most Eurovision adjacent song of the lot.
25. Serena Brancale – Anema e core
Serena debuted at Sanremo 2015 in the New Proposals category as an aspiring jazz/soul singer ('
Galleggiare' is a WTG approved sultry gem btw). This is her first appearance as an established act. She subsequently ditched the jazz and made a proper breakthrough last year with a viral TikTok hit. Her recent songs have been a mix of funk-carioca (Tuta Gold anyone?), latin and Neapolitan folk. ‘Anema e core’ is no different and pays tribute to the music of Naples. This is as close as we’re going to get to an Italian ‘Zari’.
26. Shablo feat. Guè, Joshua and Tormento - La mia parola
If ever there was any image that screams AGING EX-BOYBAND. This lot are a multi-generational rap supergroup of sorts. Shablo is better known as a producer (and coincidentally is behind Rkomi’s entry). Guè is one of the biggest names in that much adored genre of Italian rap. The song is a 90s rap/R&B throwback, and has been described as anti-Sanremo. Early Fugees have been cited as a reference point here.
27. Simone Cristicchi – Quando sarai piccola
You're all going to hate this one. Another graduate of the famed Italian school of SPEAK-SINGING. Simone is a former winner and he’s returning with a ballad about caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. The reviews said this was a tear jerker so a massive public sympathy vote isn’t out of the question. On the other hand, the competition has modernised in recent years and this might be too old-school to be in contention. Simone is probably the type to decline Eurovision. That rule might just be a saving grace.
28. Tony Effe – Damme ‘na mano
There’s controversy around this one. If not for his rivalry with Fedez but for his past sexist and misogynistic lyrics. His appearance at Rome's New Year celebrations was cancelled as a result. Mahmood came out in support in the name of FREE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION. Not sure that's the hill she wants to die on but anyway...
Trouble just seems to follow where neck tattoos are involved (see also Emis Killa). There were calls to have Tony removed from this year’s line-up but unlike Emis, he's still here.
Tony is best known in trap music circles, but here he’s cosplaying as a modern Roman folk singer, borrowing from the street song tradition that is
stornello. We’ll be hearing the Roman dialect for the first time. It all sounds too NICHE INTEREST to be honest.
29. Willie Peyote – Grazie ma no grazie
Just in case you’ve not had your fill of rap…
The most political song in this year's competition. It’s rap but FUN and IRONIC RAP allegedly. Willie will be providing his social commentary on the state of current society. Likely to go over our heads but good for him.