The former Commander of Folgore Parachute Brigade, the Army Parachutist General Giovanni IannucciIannucci, has been appointed as the new Commander of the COVI (Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command), succeeding Lieutenant General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo. Iannucci therefore leaves his position as Head of Cabinet of the Defence Ministry to assume the position of Commander of one of the most important Defence summits.
In a press note, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto himself wished to recall the time spent 'at his side', emphasising his competence and professionalism:
"This is an important achievement, both from a personal and professional point of view, which comes at a particularly delicate historical moment. In his tenure as Chief of Staff of the Defence Ministry, I had the opportunity to appreciate his extremely high level of professionalism and his effective and far-sighted management of the complex institutional and strategic challenges faced by the Ministry. I am certain that, thanks to his undoubted competence, experience and strategic vision, he will hold his new post with equal determination, sparing no effort, making Defence and Italy's contribution to international stability and security even more relevant. Congratulations and good work! " - Hon. Guido Crosetto
Who is Giovanni Maria Iannucci, an outstanding career in the service of Italy
Giovanni Maria Iannucci's military training began at the prestigious Military Academy of Modena, where he completed the 166th 'Dignity' Course. His operational career began in 1988 when he was assigned to the 185th Parachute Artillery Group, which later became a Regiment, marking his first contact with the world of paratroopers.
His experience was further enriched when he took part in Operation IBIS in Somalia, a commitment that saw him confront extremely complex operational scenarios. Upon his return, he took command of the Officer Cadet Company of the 176th Course at the Modena Military Academy, contributing to the training of future generations of officers.
General Iannucci's career continued with assignments of increasing responsibility: after attending the Staff Course at the Civitavecchia War School and the Argentine Army Staff Course, he held key positions within the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade and in various strategic offices of the Army Staff.
Group Acquisition Objectives of the 185TH RAO 'THUNDERBOLT' and leads Task Force 'Victor' in Iraq, demonstrating remarkable leadership skills in operational contexts.
Between 2004 and 2008, he served as Chief of Staff Section at the General Office of the Army Chief of Staff. Subsequently, promoted to the rank of Colonel, he served in Germany in the UK Army Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC-UK) from 2008 to 2010, before returning to Italy and assuming command of the 185th RRAO Regiment. In 2012, he was appointed Head of the J3 Division (Operations) at the Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze (COVI).
In the following years, General Iannucci continued to distinguish himself in various national and international assignments, including the role of Deputy DCOS Operations at the ISAF Command in Afghanistan and the position, in 2015, of Commander of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade. His career reached a further pinnacle when he assumed the leadership of NATO Mission IRAQ and later became Commander of Operations Forces South.
In 2023, he was appointed Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence, a role that testifies to the trust and recognition of his skills.
In addition to his military capabilities, General Iannucci boasts a solid academic background, with degrees in Economics and Business and Strategic Sciences, enriched by a Master's degree in International Strategic-Military Studies. His proficiency in English and Spanish and the numerous decorations he has received confirm his stature as one of the most respected and capable Officers in the Italian Army.
He is the second Basco Amaranto in history to hold the position of Commander of the Inter-Army High Command, after the C.A. Gen. Marco Bertolini (2012 - 2016).
Best wishes for the prestigious assignment Mr. General! Thunderbolt!
