Change of Command at COMFOTER: General D’Addario Succeeds General Scala

Verona, September 29, 2025 – This morning, the change of command ceremony took place in the honor courtyard of Palazzo Carli at the top of the Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri (COMFOTER) of the Italian Army. General of the Army Corps Massimo Scala handed over command to his peer Lorenzo D’Addario, in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Carmine Masiello.

The event held particular significance not only for the Army but also for the city of Verona: after nine years, COMFOTER returns to its historic headquarters at Palazzo Carli, as part of the reorganization called New Army Model.

The Armed Force is undergoing a profound transformation phase, which involves not only the modernization of equipment but a true cultural and operational change. The goal is to make the Army faster in decision-making processes, more efficient in resource utilization, and more effective in achieving results.

A model designed to respond to complex and dynamic scenarios, with new challenges also in the space and cyber domains.

The Words of the Authorities

In his speech, General Masiello emphasized the importance of constant and realistic training:

The change of command at COMFOTER is a moment of continuity and vision towards the future, marked by dedication, competence, and cohesion, united around the fundamental values of the Institution.

General Scala, in his farewell speech, recalled the founding values of the Army:

We must continue to prepare with seriousness and professionalism, without excuses or alibis, to be ready to face conventional and unconventional conflicts. Technology and innovation will be crucial, but our values remain central: Homeland, discipline, honor, loyalty, and sense of duty.

He then wanted to pay tribute to the personnel, defined as “the true center of gravity of the Armed Force”: Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Graduates, and civilians who, with their human and professional heritage, constitute the heart of the Institution.

Numerous civil, military, and religious authorities attended the ceremony, along with the Prefect and the Mayor of Verona, as well as combat and weapon associations. Also present was the Gonfalone of the City of Verona, decorated with the Gold Medal for Military Valor.

The New Commander

General Lorenzo D’Addario comes from the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps in Solbiate Olona (VA), which he also led in the delicate role of Allied Reaction Force. His career is characterized by high-level assignments and extensive international experience, which he will now bring to the leadership of COMFOTER.

With this handover, COMFOTER reaffirms itself as the operational hub of the Army, ready to meet the challenges of national and international security.