Opening the first X Factor Live show is no small feat, but who can stop the unbridled Mad-Dog? While Sassari is now going crazy for them, Renato Marchisio, 17, vocals and guitar, Davide Dore, 18, bass, Jacopo Sale, 21, drums, and Luca Pintus, 20, guitar , ("My four Moors," their judge Paola Iezzi calls them) break the ice of the Sky talent show without half measures with "Club Foot" by Kasabian. And they lay down the law: with a look reminiscent of the early 2000s, including tweed jackets, shirts, ties, and scarves, they pay homage to a quintessential electronic rock song that hits from the very first bars. And they, compact, precise, without losing an ounce of power, take it home.

The crowd explodes, with families in the front row cheering with signs and shouts of support. "Let's hope we get in. I said I know the singer," jokes Andrea, Renato's father, in front of the X Factor Arena . The verdict on social media is equally strong: "What energy!", "If you're starting like this, what should we expect?", "All my votes!", "Seasoned professionals, and they're only eighteen." And the judges can only acknowledge the strength of a group with crystal-clear ideas.

Leading them is Paola Iezzi, a lovestruck musician, who introduces them with words full of affection: "I've met four extraordinary guys who share my concept of music, of devotion and rigor." "Insane energy, you made me hot, you were amazing. You got everything down," comments Irama. Francesco Gabbani appreciates their ability to combine precision and power: "You were good, sometimes being so precise saps energy." Jake La Furia focuses above all on live performance: "When I go to live shows, I like to understand the music I'm listening to. You play perfectly live, just a little dirtier than on CD."

The first round ends without a hitch for the four Sassari natives, who pass the test and leave the tension of the runoff to others. A banging debut for a very young band, who seems to have already found their niche on stage and isn't letting the weight of such a momentous occasion weigh them down. Shyness, at least for one night, is kept out of the door: Mad-Dog savor the moment, with the hope that they still have a long road ahead of them.

And even the initial fears confessed to the Daily seem farther away: "We're afraid of not being understood, but not of falling apart; that will be impossible." A promise that, on stage, seems already kept. Mad-Dog, see you next Thursday for the second X Factor Live.

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