If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Netflix’s international romance section, you probably hit play on Under the Amalfi Sun (Sotto il sole di Amalfi). It's the 2022 sequel to Under the Riccione Sun, and honestly, it’s basically visual candy. Most people come for the lemon groves and the turquoise water, but they stay because the cast of Under the Amalfi Sun actually has some serious acting chops.
This isn't just a group of "pretty faces" thrown onto a beach in Italy. We’re talking about a mix of legendary Italian icons and the new wave of Gen Z stars who are currently dominating European television.
The Leads: Lorenzo Zurzolo and Ludovica Martino
Let’s be real: the chemistry between Vincenzo and Camilla is the engine of this movie.
Lorenzo Zurzolo plays Vincenzo. If he looks familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen him as Niccolò in the hit Netflix series Baby. Zurzolo has this intense, brooding energy that he had to pivot for this role, considering Vincenzo is blind and navigating a long-distance relationship. Since the movie dropped, his career has skyrocketed. He recently appeared in the Oscar-nominated film EO and is set to play Italo Balbo in the upcoming series Mussolini: Son of the Century.
Then you have Ludovica Martino as Camilla. She is essentially Italian royalty in the teen drama world, thanks to her breakout role in Skam Italia. In Under the Amalfi Sun, she brings a grounded, slightly anxious energy to Camilla, who is returning from a year in Canada. Martino didn't just stop at rom-coms; she’s been winning awards lately, including a Best Actress nod at the 2024 Bari International Film Festival for My Place Is Here.
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The Legends: Isabella Ferrari and Luca Ward
While the kids are figuring out their love lives, the "adults" in the room are played by two of the biggest names in Italian cinema.
Isabella Ferrari plays Irene, Vincenzo's overprotective mother. Ferrari has been a star since the 1980s. She’s won the Volpi Cup at Venice and has worked with legendary directors like Paolo Sorrentino in The Great Beauty. In this film, she represents that classic Mediterranean motherly anxiety—the kind that makes you want to hug her and tell her to relax at the same time.
And then there's Luca Ward as Lucio. If you lived in Italy, you would recognize his voice before his face. Why? Because Luca Ward is the official Italian voice for Russell Crowe, Samuel L. Jackson, and Keanu Reeves. When he speaks in the movie, it's that iconic, gravelly baritone. He provides the perfect, steady foil to Ferrari’s nervous Irene.
The Friends: Breaking Down the Supporting Players
The cast of Under the Amalfi Sun wouldn't feel complete without the chaotic energy of the supporting friends.
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- Davide Calgaro (Furio): He provides the comic relief. Furio is the guy we all know—constantly trying too hard to be "cool" but ending up in ridiculous situations. Calgaro is actually a stand-up comedian in real life, which explains why his timing is so sharp.
- Nicolas Maupas (Hans): If you think Hans looks like a model, it’s because the actor, Nicolas Maupas, is currently one of Italy’s biggest heartthrobs. He stars in Mare Fuori (The Sea Beyond), a show that has become a cultural phenomenon in Europe. In Amalfi Sun, he plays the "bad boy" mentor to Furio.
- Kyshan Wilson (Nathalie): Playing Camilla’s friend, Wilson brings one of the most grounded storylines to the film. Her character deals with body image issues after weight loss, and Wilson plays it with a vulnerability that feels very "human" compared to the glossy surroundings.
Why the Ensemble Feels Different
What most people get wrong about these Netflix sequels is thinking they are "throwaway" movies. But when you look at the cast of Under the Amalfi Sun, you see a very intentional bridge between generations.
You have the 80s icons (Ferrari, Ward) anchoring the story, while the Baby and Skam Italia leads bring in the younger demographic. It’s a formula that works because the acting doesn't feel forced. They actually feel like people who have spent summers together.
Where Can You See Them Next?
If you finished the movie and want more of this specific vibe, here is where the main players are headed in 2026 and beyond:
- Lorenzo Zurzolo is moving into heavy-hitter territory. Keep an eye out for him in The Black Ball and his work in prestige historical dramas.
- Ludovica Martino is leaning into independent cinema. She’s moved away from the "teen" label and is taking on more complex, maternal, and period-piece roles.
- Nicolas Maupas is basically everywhere. Between Mare Fuori and various fashion campaigns, he’s the face of the new Italian "cool."
Actionable Insight: How to Watch Like a Local
If you want to truly appreciate the cast of Under the Amalfi Sun, try watching it in the original Italian with subtitles. You miss so much of the nuance—especially with Luca Ward’s voice—when it’s dubbed into English. The rhythmic nature of their banter, especially between Furio and Hans, is half the fun.
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Also, if you're planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast because of this film, remember that while the movie looks like a private paradise, places like Atrani and Positano are incredibly crowded in the summer. To get the "Vincenzo and Camilla" experience without the crowds, aim for late September when the light is just as good but the tourists have cleared out.
The real takeaway? This cast is a snapshot of the current Italian "A-list." Whether they are veterans of the Venice Film Festival or stars of the latest viral Netflix hit, they brought a level of charm to this sequel that kept it from being just another sunset-soaked rom-com.
Check out Prisma on Amazon Prime if you want to see Lorenzo Zurzolo in a completely different, much more raw light. It's a great "next step" for anyone who liked his performance here but wants something with a bit more grit.
Next Steps for You: If you want to explore more from this group, watch Skam Italia for Ludovica Martino’s best work, or dive into Mare Fuori to see why Nicolas Maupas is taking over European TV. You'll see that the talent in this movie goes way deeper than just looking good on a boat.