launched in 1967, the vessel was optimised for anti-submarine warfare based on two Agusta-Bell AB.204 helicopters protected by a telescopic hangar and a variable-depth sonar (VDS).

[2] They were the first Italian frigates with sharply raked bows, gas turbines and a variable depth sonar.

[1] The class was named after types of soldiers, and specifically after two World War II Soldati-class destroyers.

The ship was equipped with three Selenia Orion RTN-10X fire-control radars which was coordinated with an ELSAG Argo O control system.

The launch took place in the presence of members of this specialist force, which also shares the ship's motto Di qui non si passa (From here, you shall not pass).

[11] A SLQ-A ECM system was added during the 1970s, subsequently upgraded to SLQ-D.[1] The onboard helicopters were also replaced by the more capable Agusta-Bell AB-212ASW.

[12] Consideration was given to installing the Sea Wolf surface-to-air missile system to improve anti-aircraft capability, but this was not implemented.

[14] A SLQ-747 ECM suite was fitted, replacing the SLQ-D.[1] The vessel was also equipped with the SCLAR decoy-dispenser system which used chaff, flares and other decoys as a form of missile defense.

[15][16] The vessel acted in the flagship role to the Gaeta-class minehunters Crotone and Chioggia from 18 March to 22 June 2002 during a NATO training exercise in Northern Europe.