Eugenio Franceschini’s portrayal of Marcello Muratori in “Emily in Paris” has solidified his status as one of the most desirable characters on television. Marcello’s suave charm, elegance, and romantic aura have made him a fan favorite, but in real life, Franceschini holds a more thoughtful and nuanced view of love. While Marcello may sweep Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) off her feet, Franceschini believes that the foundation of any enduring relationship is built on something deeper than attraction—it’s rooted in vulnerability.

When asked about his thoughts on love and romance in an exclusive interview with PAGEONE, Franceschini reflects thoughtfully. “I think it’s important to speak about our weakness,” he shared. “If you want to stay with someone for all your life, the first thing is that this person has to accept your weakness. This is important.”

His words echo the value of emotional openness and the willingness to be raw with someone you care about. It’s a sentiment that rings especially true for those who’ve seen Marcello’s relationship with Emily unfold—it’s the emotional authenticity that makes their connection so compelling.

Franceschini’s view of love contrasts with the often idealized depictions of romance seen in the media, where perfection is often the goal. For him, true love involves embracing each other’s flaws and imperfections. It’s about being able to lean on one another when times are tough and to show each other the sides of ourselves that aren’t always picture-perfect.

On the subject of romance, Franceschini also has some playful thoughts about his role as Marcello and the other romantic interests vying for Emily’s heart. While many fans have strong opinions about whether Emily should be with Marcello, Gabriel, or Alfie, Franceschini keeps things lighthearted.

“If [Gabriel] were Italian, absolutely, Team Gabriel… Gabriel or Marcello,” he says with a cheeky grin, showing that he’s able to laugh at the ongoing “Team Marcello” vs. “Team Gabriel” debates that swirl around the “Emily in Paris” fandom. It’s a testament to Franceschini’s sense of humor and ease with his role in the show’s love triangle.

Despite his easygoing nature, Franceschini’s relationship with love is deeply connected to his Italian heritage. He explains that in Italy, the culture around romance and friendships is rich with warmth and physicality. “We like to touch each other,” he said, reflecting on the Italian way of showing affection.

“If I like you—not in a romantic way—if I think you’re a nice person, my way to show this is by touching you. We like to touch people. I think this is something that is very, very Italian.” This cultural touchstone has influenced his portrayal of Marcello, where warmth and genuine affection shine through in his interactions with Emily and others.

Franceschini also finds that his own personal experiences with love and relationships resonate deeply with his character. Marcello may come from a wealthy family, but Franceschini’s upbringing was more modest, which helps him relate to his character’s reluctance to flaunt his wealth.

“[Marcello’s] special. My background is more normal, I grew up in a small village in the countryside in Verona. One thing I think we have in common [is] he doesn’t like to show how important he is [even though he comes from] an important family,” he explained. This grounded aspect of Marcello’s character mirrors Franceschini’s own personality—someone who values sincerity over appearances.

Beyond love and relationships, Franceschini’s Italian roots are an integral part of who he is. His connection to Italy runs deep, not only in the way he interacts with others but also in his passion for sharing the beauty of his homeland.

As “Emily in Paris” takes fans to iconic locations like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps in Rome, Franceschini shared his fond memories of filming in these beautiful settings. “Every moment of the day if you go there, these places are crowded. It’s full of people and it’s difficult to enjoy the moment… [We filmed at] 5 AM and it’s all for us. It was the first time that we have this piece of art just for [us], and it was really a moment that I will keep with me for the rest of my life,” he reflected.

From the beauty of Venice in the Veneto region to the culinary delights of Rome, Franceschini’s passion for his country shines through. He recommended trying artichokes in the city, a local specialty, along with classic Italian pasta like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and gricia.

As Emily in Paris continues to captivate audiences, Franceschini’s portrayal of Marcello has proven that he’s not just a pretty face. It’s his depth, humility, and genuine approach to love—both on and off-screen—that have truly set him apart.

Whether he’s offering heartfelt advice on vulnerability or sharing a lighthearted joke about the love triangle, Franceschini’s authenticity is undeniable. His commitment to living a life centered around family, simplicity, and emotional connection shows that the man behind Marcello Muratori is much more than just a romantic interest—he’s a rising star with a heart as warm as his Italian lineage.

Stay tuned to PAGEONE Online Network’s platforms every Monday throughout January to catch more glimpses of Franceschini’s career and personal life. Only on #LetsAllWelcome.