They've already returned home, tired but satisfied with their participation (and victory) in the special Epiphany episode of Affari Tuoi, especially happy to have brought the identity and pride of our island to the attention of the entire Italian public. Alessandro Cauli, 52, and Flaminia Corrias, 51, from Sant'Anna, a hamlet of Marrubiu, were the stars of the evening and winners of €22,000. Alessandro hails from the upper Masongiu, a farming village in the Marrubiu area, and works as a shepherd.
An ancient profession, one marked by sacrifice, a tough schedule, and a deep connection to the land. He raises sheep and a few goats, but he's also a great lover of nature. Both have always been attached to tradition, and for this reason, they both wear traditional dress. In Marrubiu, they're well-known for participating in the "Paschiscedda Marrubiesa" event, with their donkey (also their own) and a few head of cattle. Sandro also gives demonstrations at this event on how to make ricotta cheese, and they're also active members of the "Su Madau" group. His father, Mario, is well-known for being a janitor at the local middle school.
He himself shared many of these stories on the show, with simplicity and pride, when Stefano De Martino asked him what he did. His response came first with a smile, then with a shepherd's whistle, immediately followed, as a joke by the director, by the bleating of sheep, sparking excitement in the studio. He was joined by his wife, Flaminia, with whom he has shared 18 years. She captured the audience's attention from the very first moment, choosing to wear the traditional Oristano costume, which transformed the Teatro delle Vittorie into a small window into the most authentic Sardinia.
During the broadcast, Alessandro and Flaminia told their story with ease. "We came here to have fun and to bring a piece of our homeland," said Alessandro, excited but still smiling. Flaminia, more reserved but visibly proud, added: "This dress is our identity. It's wonderful to show it to all of Italy." The audience loved them immediately: genuine, spontaneous, capable of transforming every moment into a little Sardinian story. Their match was a crescendo of tension and camaraderie. Alessandro played calmly, never losing his smile, even when the "Doctor" began to provoke him with offers and jokes.
The decisive moment came when only one euro and the dreaded Black Package remained on the table. The offer was 22,000 euros, a significant sum, especially for someone who earns a living from hard work like shepherding. "I'll take this money. It's waiting for me at home," Alessandro said, looking at Flaminia, who nodded confidently. A wise choice, because the Black Package contained just 200 euros. The financial victory was only part of their evening.
The real triumph was cultural, as they brought rural Sardinia to national prime time—the land of values, customs, farmwork, and family. "We're proud to be from Sant'Anna. This is our life, simple but full," Alessandro said at the end of the episode, with the same authenticity he had shown upon entering the studio.
