Teacher Stabbed in Neck During Italian Vacation Heads Home

A Life-Threatening Attack in Milan

Nicholas Pellegrino, a 29-year-old religion and Spanish teacher at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, found himself in a terrifying situation on July 15. While waiting at the San Donato Milanese train station in Milan, Italy, he was brutally attacked, leaving him bleeding out on the platform. The incident occurred just before noon, and Pellegrino was left with no choice but to hope that an ambulance would arrive in time to save his life.

Pellegrino, originally from Staten Island, New York, had been traveling to Florence for a short vacation before returning to the U.S. for the start of the fall semester. However, what was supposed to be a routine train ride turned into a nightmare. He boarded the train and quickly noticed four men watching him closely. Moments later, one of them slashed his jugular vein with a pocketknife while another stole his laptop, clothes, and passport. Additionally, a gold cross around his neck was violently ripped off.

The attackers were not afraid of Pellegrino, according to his account. They were armed with pocketknives and showed clear intent to kill. As he bled out, Pellegrino thought of two things: ensuring the suspects wouldn’t return to finish him off and hoping the ambulance would arrive in time. After 15 minutes, paramedics arrived and rushed him to a local hospital, where he survived the brutal attack.

The Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Italian authorities identified the attackers as part of a gang of North African migrants. Two 21-year-old men from Tunisia were detained and charged with aggravated robbery. However, Pellegrino confirmed that they now face more serious charges of premeditated attempted homicide. According to reports, the police discovered his gold cross and chain inside one of the suspects’ intestinal tracts.

Pellegrino testified in court and shared that the two men were responsible for seven attacks over a 48-hour period. This shocking revelation led him to describe the events as “something from a movie.” Although the suspects fled the scene, they were identified through CCTV footage. The two were arrested attempting to board a bus carrying a switchblade and a stolen pendant. Another two suspects who were standing guard during the attack were also apprehended.

Despite the severity of the case, Italian authorities did not respond to requests for comment from The Times or the American Consulate in Milan. Pellegrino’s passport remains missing, but he was granted a temporary passport to return home.

Recovery and Support from the Community

Pellegrino spent several days in the hospital, receiving emergency care and nine stitches to stabilize his wound. He was moved to an intensive care unit and remained hospitalized until Sunday. After staying with a friend, he finally returned to New York on Thursday, confirming that he had recovered enough to make the trip.

His story has touched many, including former students and friends. Finn McCole, a former student and friend, set up a GoFundMe page along with other former students to help Pellegrino cover medical expenses and replace lost valuables. McCole described Pellegrino as a great guy and a role model, highlighting the impact teachers can have on their students.

“I’m surprised by the amount of money raised,” Pellegrino said. “It shows that even though teaching is a thankless job, the students are grateful for a role model.”

Before working in San Francisco, Pellegrino taught at Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island. His experience as a teacher and track coach has left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Reflections on Survival

For Pellegrino, the attack was a traumatic reminder of how quickly life can change. He described the experience as “ISIS-level barbarism” and expressed deep gratitude for surviving. “Miracles still happen,” he said. “I’m grateful to be alive.”

His journey from the train station in Milan to the hospital and eventually back to New York is a testament to his strength and resilience. While the road to full recovery may still be long, Pellegrino’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the will to survive against all odds.