Gaia De Rossi Adoption Hearing and Legal Opposition in Rome

The initial hearing on October 2, 2026, was immediately adjourned to November 23, 2026, to allow legal teams to file written submissions regarding the contested family proceeding. While Daniele De Rossi gave a positive opinion on the adoption, the request faces formal opposition from Gaia’s biological mother, Tamara Pisnoli, who argues the decision was made without consulting her or the girl’s father.

Tribunale Civile di Roma Adjourns Family Proceedings

The opening hearing before the first section of the civil court lasted only moments before the judge paused the proceedings, setting a November deadline for written briefs. Sarah Felberbaum is represented in the case by attorney Antonio Conte, while Tamara Pisnoli has retained lawyer Simone Ciccotti. Because Gaia De Rossi is an adult who recently moved to New York to study, her personal consent carries substantial legal weight under Italian civil procedure, superseding standard custody frameworks applied to minors. Neither Daniele De Rossi nor Tamara Pisnoli attended the Rome courtroom session.

Differing Legal Arguments and Public Statements

Legal representatives for both sides have outlined starkly different interpretations of family dynamics spanning over a decade. According to statements cited by roma.corriere.it from attorney Simone Ciccotti, Gaia lived exclusively with her mother until age 15, maintaining a close bond before moving in with her father following a family trip to Argentina. Pisnoli contends that the adoption initiative lacks necessary familial consensus and criticized public media interviews given by Felberbaum, arguing the publicity undermines private family matters. Conversely, Felberbaum explained in an interview with the weekly magazine F that Gaia initiated the request directly, noting that she accepted immediately because the two have lived together for eleven years alongside siblings Olivia and Noah.

Legal Troubles and Marriages Follow De Rossi Divorce

The legal friction stems from a long history that includes the 2003 relationship start between Daniele De Rossi and Tamara Pisnoli, their marriage in May 2006, and their subsequent divorce three years later. Following the separation, Pisnoli faced significant legal troubles, culminating in a 2023 criminal conviction for extortion, robbery, and assault related to a 2013 incident in Rome. Daniele De Rossi subsequently married actress Sarah Felberbaum in 2015, establishing a household where Gaia spent her teenage and early adult years.

Next Scheduled Court Date on November 23

The legal teams for Sarah Felberbaum and Tamara Pisnoli must submit comprehensive written legal arguments to the Rome civil court ahead of the next procedural step. The court will reconvene on November 23, 2026, to evaluate the opposing positions and determine the final outcome of the adult adoption petition.