... In early 1992 I got the Degree in Astronomy in Padova (Italy), discussing an experimental thesis on the taxonomy of type II Supernovae , under the supervision of prof. R. Barbon and M. Turatto . In the following year I started the Ph.D. in Astronomy with the Padova SN Group at the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory . In 1994 I got a studentship at ESO-Garching , where I completed the Ph.D. thesis under the supervision of J. Danziger , in collaboration with M. Turatto and E. Cappellaro . ...