Matteo Casavecchia and Veronica Ruggeri: riding through the Barolo hills with courage, resilience, and the drive to live without limits
Some moments change life completely — and when they do, it’s how you choose to respond that defines everything.
This was the challenge faced by Matteo Casavecchia, the young protagonist of the latest episode of Storie da Raccontare. In the Stellantis Autonomy series, Veronica Ruggeri meets people who have turned disability into a new form of freedom, rewriting their own stories along the way.
For the latest chapter, Matteo and Veronica ride an handbike across the rolling hills of Barolo — a journey that mirrors his own path, full of obstacles, growth, and small yet significant victories.
Matteo’s life changed at 18, when a swimming pool accident left him with a spinal cord injury, confining him to a wheelchair. Since that day, nothing has been the same. But Matteo chose to face every challenge head-on, even when it would have been easier to stay silent.
“There were dark moments,” he admits, “but I always tried not to show it to others, to protect them. Deep down, though, I knew I had to find the strength to move forward. I told myself it was essential to tackle every challenge life put in front of me — and I started right away.”
With determination and courage, he embarked on a long rehabilitation journey, learning to appreciate every small step.
“I spent a lot of time in the hospital, and every day was a challenge. I began to notice the little things: the first coffee, the first meal after the accident, the sun on my face… things you don’t appreciate until they’re gone. That’s when you realize what really matters.”
Today, Matteo is 27, lives in Genoa, and shares his experience on social media to spread a message of hope and awareness.
“Now, what matters most to me is building a family and continuing to raise awareness about disability. Many people think disability means stopping your life — but you can do everything, completely. Without limits.”
His story is one of strength, self-awareness, and renewal, a reminder that even after the most unexpected events, it’s possible to move forward — and along the way, find a new kind of freedom.
At Stellantis Autonomy, we believe in this spirit: in the freedom to face challenges, find new paths, and live life to the fullest. Because autonomy is built on courage — and when life changes in an instant, true freedom is finding a way to start again, every single day.
Watch the latest episode of Storie da Raccontare with Matteo Casavecchia and Veronica Ruggeri.
