152nd Infantry Regiment Sassari: Carlà Takes Command from Simonelli

Sassari, September 6, 2025 – Colonel Luigi Carlà, an officer of the Bersaglieri from the Army General Staff, is the new commander of the 152nd Infantry Regiment “Sassari”. He succeeds Colonel Gianluca Simonelli, a paratrooper officer decorated with the Silver Medal for Army Valor for a mission in Afghanistan.

The handover ceremony took place in the Istria square of the “Gonzaga” barracks, in the presence of Brigadier General Andrea Fraticelli, commander of the Brigade “Sassari”, along with numerous civil, military, and religious authorities, including the prefect Grazia La Fauci, the extraordinary administrator of the Metropolitan City Gavino Arru, the mayors of Sassari and Nuoro (Giuseppe Mascia and Emiliano Fenu), the diocesan administrator bishop monsignor Antonio Tamponi and the rector of the University of Sassari Gavino Mariotti.

In his speech, General Fraticelli praised the work done by Colonel Simonelli, who in two years strengthened training, promoted high-level exercises (such as “Fantasma” for snipers and “Giaguaro” for reconnaissance units), organized Command Post exercises and specialized courses on weapon systems, drones, and personnel integration. He also highlighted the operational participation in the readiness phase of the Joint Rapid Response Force (JRRF), demonstrating interoperability according to NATO and EU standards.

During the handover, Colonel Simonelli expressed gratitude towards the personnel of the 152nd, praising their determination and professionalism; he reiterated the strong identity bond between the “Dimonios” and Sardinia, a constant value in the regiment's history.

Colonel Carlà, originally from Lecce, already awarded the Gold Cross for Army Merit, brings with him a profile of excellence and solid operational experience on both national and international levels.