[1][2][3] Fico became first known one year later thanks to her participation in the eighth edition of Il Grande Fratello, the Italian version of the reality show Big Brother.

[1][4] The same year she received widespread media attention for having allegedly auction off her virginity for €1 million during an interview for the Italian magazine Chi.

[24][25][26][27] Shortly after her name came to light by interceptions she took part in the Rai 2 reality show L'isola dei famosi.

[28][29] In September 2012, she walked the runway of Milan Fashion Week while 6 months pregnant, wearing a bikini.

[31] In 2013 Balotelli had to defend himself against Raffaella Fico's accusations of being "irresponsible" and "unconcerned" about his newborn baby daughter, Pia.