Brigata Sassari: General Paratrooper Stefano Messina hands over command to Andrea Fraticelli

SASSARI – Solemn and intense was the change of command ceremony at the top of the “Sassari” Brigade, held on the morning of May 30, 2025, at the “Gonzaga” barracks. In the presence of the Commander of the Southern Operational Forces, Major General Andrea Di Stasio, already at the helm of the “Dimonios”, Major General Stefano Messina, formerly of the Paratrooper Sappers Company of Lucca, handed over command to Brigadier General Andrea Fraticelli.

The symbolic gift of the “pattadese”

In a particularly touching moment, General Di Stasio presented the new commander with a traditional pattadese, a knife symbolic of Sardinia, accompanied by a phrase inspired by the Arab world: “I give you this pattadese to defend yourself from your enemies, but if I, your commander, should betray you, use it against me.” A gesture full of meaning, highlighting the value of command as a responsibility and a bond of loyalty.

General Messina's farewell

Visibly moved, General Messina bid farewell to the Brigade with words of affection and deep gratitude:
“Sardinia is our home. The Sardinian people love the Sassari Brigade because they consider it an integral part of their history and identity. Commanding the Brigade has been the highest privilege of my career.”

In his speech, the general recalled his two years at the helm of the “Dimonios”, highlighting the Brigade's contribution to numerous operational activities, from the mission in Lebanon to internal security operations and emergency interventions. He paid a moving tribute to the families of the fallen, some of whom were present at the ceremony, and to his recently deceased mother.

The profile of the new commander

Brigadier General Andrea Fraticelli, 49 years old, originally from Macerata, comes from the Command of the Land Operational Forces in Rome. An officer of proven experience and sensitivity, he stated:
“Commanding the Sassari Brigade is a privilege. I feel the pride, the honor, and in some respects the burden. But even in the face of an era of great transformations, I promise you that I will put my all, day and night, to be a worthy Commander in the path traced by my predecessors.”

A heartfelt and participated ceremony

The event was attended by civil, military, and religious authorities of Sardinia, as well as representatives of Combatant and Arms Associations. Among the symbols present, the War Flag of the 152nd Infantry Regiment “Sassari”, the banner of the city of Cagliari, decorated with the Gold Medal for Military Valor, that of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the city and province of Sassari, of Tempio Pausania (decorated with the Silver Medal for Civil Valor), of Nuoro, Sinnai, and Macomer.

The ceremony represented not only an institutional moment but also a tribute to the deep bond between the Sassari Brigade and the Sardinian people, consolidated through history, sacrifice, and common identity. With the handover to General Fraticelli, the “Sassari” is preparing to continue its mission with the same spirit of dedication, pride, and service.