He graduated in Law and practised briefly as a solicitor, but he left the legal profession at the age of 25, in order to become a full-time writer and director.
He started his career as a playwright at the age of 20 with a TV play produced by the Italian National Television (RAI).
Afterwards it was reprised by Gastone Moschin (1998) and eventually by Gianrico Tedeschi for ten consecutive seasons (2000–2010).
His literary output includes four novels: Giochi di mano (Sleight of Hand), published by Mondadori in 1974, shortlisted for the Viareggio Prize and the Sila Prize, reissued by Sellerio in 2009; Il canto dell’orco (The Ogre’s Song), published by Longanesi in 1985, shortlisted for the Dessì Prize, reissued by Sellerio in 2007; Il favorito degli dei (The Favourite of the Gods), published by Studio Tesi in 1998; La città scura (The Dark City), published by Marsilio in 1994.
As a screenwriter, he has worked with director Valerio Zurlini and producers Franco Cristaldi, Carlo Ponti and Goffredo Lombardo.