Silvio Pellico’s drama “Francesca da Rimini”, based upon the famous abstract from Dante’s “Divine Comedy”, had a great success on the 19th century Italian scene, and it’s text can be considered as an excellent example of Italian fiction of that time. One of its most interesting interpretations is the parody of Neapolitan actor and playwrighter Antonio Petito. This article analyzes the techniques by which Petito parodies the work of his predecessor, bringing a comic effect to the traditionally dramatic plot; as well as demonstrating a new technique for the drama of that time, “theater in theater” or meta-theatre. Thanks to the analysis of the two declared works, one can trace the change and complication of the theatrical tradition of Italy in the 19th century.