Gruppo Italiano

Gruppo Italiano were an Italian Italo disco band formed in 1980. They are best known for the song "Tropicana" that ranked sixth on the Italian hit parade in 1983.^[1]

Gruppo Italiano
Gruppo Italiano in 1985; from left to right: Roberto "Bozo" Del Bo, Raffaella Riva, Chicco Santulli, Patrizia Di Malta och Gigi Folino
Background information
Origin	Italy
Genres	Italo disco dance-pop easy listening
Years active	1980–1989
Labels	Ricordi
Past members	Patrizia Di Malta Raffaella Riva Gigi Folino Roberto "Bozo" Del Bo Chicco Santulli

History

Gruppo Italiano was founded in 1980 when Roberto "Bozo" Del Bo and Chicco Santulli, upon returning to Italy from a four months stay in Los Angeles, California, decided to set up a band that would merge sophisticated musical ideas and humour. The group's best-known line-up comprised Patrizia Di Malta, Raffaella Riva, Gigi Folino, Del Bo and Santulli. In 1984 the group entered the main competition at the Sanremo Music Festival with the song "Anni Ruggenti",^[2][3] that peaked at number 12 on hit parade.

Personnel

Principal members

• Patrizia Di Malta – vocals
• Raffaella Riva – vocals, percussion
• Gigi Folino – bass
• Roberto "Bozo" Del Bo – drums
• Chicco Santulli – guitar

Discography

• Maccherock (1982)
• Tapioca manioca (1984)
• Surf in Italy (1985)