Riv4lries (also known as Riv4li) is an Italian teen drama on Netflix that shows what life is like for middle school students in Pisa. Simona Ercolani wrote the show and Alessandro Celli directed it. It looks at the ups and downs of pre-adolescence, focussing on friendships, rivalries, ambitions and the first signs of romance.
The main conflict in the story is between two groups of students: those who are seen as “insiders” and those who are seen as “outsiders.” When a new student named Terry comes, things change and both groups have to face their differences. The filming locations are very important to making the story feel real because the school setting is so important to the series. For fans of NetflixAddicts who are curious, the series was filmed across Pisa and Rome, blending historical landmarks with modern school life.
Riv4lries Filming Locations
The series was filmed entirely in Italy, specifically across the Tuscany and Lazio regions. Production reportedly started in early 2025 and wrapped up before mid-summer of the same year. The creative decision to use real Italian backdrops instead of relying heavily on sets gives Riv4lries a genuine look that resonates with both Italian and international audiences. Let’s take a closer look at the main shooting spots.
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Pisa, Tuscany
Riv4lries takes place mostly in Pisa, which is one of Italy’s most popular cities. The city is known around the world for its art, architecture, and the famous Leaning Tower. It makes the show’s story more interesting and real. Pisa’s famous landmarks are the setting for many important scenes, which makes the city feel like a character in the show.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa (Piazza del Duomo, 56126): This world-famous landmark can be seen in a number of establishing shots. The aerial views show off how beautiful it is and make the setting feel real. Adding such a well-known landmark to the story right away makes it feel Italian.
- Lungarni of Pisa (Ponte Solferino, 56125): The Lungarni are beautiful streets along the Arno River in Pisa (Ponte Solferino, 56125). These places, with their beautiful palaces, museums, and old bridges, add to the atmosphere of the show. Some important scenes with Terry were filmed along these walkways, with the Arno River as a beautiful background.
- Marina di Pisa (Bocca d’Arno): This seaside town is about 10 km from Pisa and has a lot of coastal charm. Pictures of the coast and waterfront show how beautiful it is when the Tyrrhenian Sea meets the Arno River. These outdoor scenes are a refreshing change from the school-based ones.
- Piazza Garibaldi: This busy square is at the north end of Ponte di Mezzo. Aerial shots show how lively Pisa’s culture is. The square is connected to Borgo Stretto, a mediaeval street known for its arcades and cafés. This is a good place for scenes that show what students do outside of class.
Did you know that the Leaning Tower isn’t the only building in the Square of Miracles that leans? The Baptistery and Cathedral next door also lean a little because the ground is soft, but not as much as the tower itself.
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Rome, Lazio
Pisa is a beautiful setting, but Rome is crucial to the school setting in Riv4lries. The show used a real educational institution to stand in for the fictional Montalcini Middle School.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi Primary School (Via Mondovì 16, 00183 Rome): Located in the Appio-Latino district, this school doubled as the exteriors of Montalcini Middle School. Scenes of students entering, leaving, or having key conversations were filmed here. Some interiors of the school were also used, giving the series a realistic classroom feel.
The movie history of Rome also makes the production more captivating. Roman Holiday and The Godfather: Part III are two famous films that take place in the city. It also links old Italian stories with new shows like Riv4lries. The show presents a unique perspective of Rome that is rarely depicted in international TV dramas. It does this by filming in places that aren’t very touristy, like local schools.
Did you know: The Appio-Latino district, where the school is located, is one of the quieter residential areas in Rome. It is known for its historic villas and its location near the Via Appia Antica, one of Rome’s oldest roads.
Riv4lries is more than just a story about teenage rivalries; the way it was filmed also shows off the beauty of Italy. The show is a great addition to NetflixAddicts’ growing collection of European dramas because it has relatable themes and beautiful settings.
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