 It has been said that Anna Magnani was originally cast in the role  of Cesira; but when she was unable commit to the film due to  illness, it was Magnani herself who suggested Sophia Loren for the  role, suggesting to Vittorio de Sica that if Sophia (who was 25  years old at the time) would not mind playing a mother with an  adolescent daughter, then the role should go to Loren.