Netflix dives into the chilling cold case of Il Mostro in the new Italian true crime series *The Monster of Florence*. The prolific serial killer claimed at least 16 victims between 1968 and 1985, but the case remains cold to this day.
*The Monster of Florence* highlights the complexity of the case; each episode of the four-part series is told from the perspective of a different suspect, showcasing the many leads investigators followed in their attempts to pin down the killer. Created by Leonardo Fasoli and Stefano Sollima, the series stars Liliana Bottone, Marco Bullitta, Francesca Olia, and Giacomo Fadda.
### Cast of *The Monster of Florence*
**Liliana Bottone**
Bottone is best known for her roles in *Parthenope*, *Generation 56K*, and *A Hundred Sundays*.
**Marco Bullitta as Stefano Mele**
Marco Bullitta portrays Stefano Mele, the husband of Barbara Locci who was convicted in 1970 of killing her and her lover. However, the case was later reopened when investigators discovered that another murder was committed with the same weapon. This led to questions about whether Stefano was the sole perpetrator or if he acted with someone else.
**Francesca Olia as Barbara Locci**
Francesca Olia stars as Barbara Locci, one of Il Mostro’s first victims. Locci and her lover were killed in 1968. Although Stefano Mele was charged with the murders, investigators later suspected that he might not have been responsible after all. Their deepening investigation into the family reveals a darker truth. *The Monster of Florence* marks just Olia’s third acting project; she previously appeared in the 2021 Italian comedy *Boys* and the 2024 feature *Timor*.
**Antonio Tintis as Giovanni Mele**
Antonio Tintis plays Giovanni Mele, Stefano Mele’s brother, who was also arrested after the case surrounding Barbara Locci’s murder was reopened. Tintis’ previous work includes roles in *Don Matteo* and *Happy Days Motel*.
**Valentino Mannias as Salvatore Vinci**
Valentino Mannias stars as Salvatore Vinci, another suspect arrested during the investigation that ultimately reached a dead end. Vinci was a former lover of Locci’s and had also been charged with the murder of his first wife. Though investigators explored whether he could be connected to Il Mostro’s other murders, he was later acquitted. This series appears to be one of Mannias’ first major roles, having previously appeared in *Miriam Il diario*.
*The Monster of Florence* is streaming now on Netflix.
https://decider.com/2025/10/24/monster-florence-cast-guide-italian-true-crime/
