I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli

I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli

Company type	Ensemble
Industry	Comedy, music
Founded	1971
Headquarters	Verona , Italy
Products	Comedy performances, music albums, films

I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli () was an Italian ensemble known for comedy and music, established in 1971. The original members were Jerry Calà, Umberto Smaila, Nini Salerno, Gianandrea Gazzola, and Spray Mallory. In 1975, Gazzola and Mallory departed and were succeeded by Franco Oppini. Following Calà's departure in 1981, the group continued as a trio until their disbandment in 1985.

History of the group

The group originated in Verona in 1971 as a breakaway from the larger 24-member collective "Studio 24." They initially gained recognition performing satirical and musical acts at Milan's Derby Club, under the direction of Arturo Corso. Their debut album came out in 1972. The addition of Franco Oppini in 1975 marked a new phase, leading to frequent appearances on RAI variety programs and increasing their fame. Their major success arrived with the Rai 1 show Non Stop during 1977–78, which also introduced talents such as Massimo Troisi and Carlo Verdone.

In 1979, their single "Capito?" climbed to number four on Italy’s music charts. They featured in two comedic films helmed by Carlo Vanzina: Arrivano i gatti and Una vacanza bestiale, both released in 1980. After launching a successful solo career with I fichissimi, Calà exited the group in 1981 to pursue film projects. The remaining members collaborated primarily with Silvio Berlusconi's Fininvest until the group's dissolution in 1985. Starting from Calà's 1997 film Gli inaffidabili, the group occasionally reunited for projects across cinema, television, and live performances.