Riccardo Paladini was born in Montopoli in Val d'Arno, in the Province of Florence in 1879 and was admitted to the Livorno Naval Academy in 1893, graduating five years later with the rank of ensign.

[1] In 1911-1912 he participated in the Italo-Turkish War with the rank of lieutenant, initially assigned on the protected cruiser Piemonte and later as executive officer of the destroyer Espero.

[3][1] At the time of Italy's entry into World War II, 10 June 1940, Paladini still commanded the 2nd Naval Squadron, and in this role he participated, on 9 July 1940, in the Battle of Calabria.

[1][4] His active participation in the conflict ended abruptly after only a month and a half: on 25 July 1940 Paladini came down with angina pectoris and had to leave his command, replaced by Admiral Angelo Iachino.

[1] On 12 September 1942 he was placed in auxiliary due to age limits, but he was immediately recalled to service, always as the commander of the Naval Academy; in January 1943 he was promoted to Ammiraglio d'Armata (Admiral).