Scabbia's family includes two brothers and a sister, who were all raised listening to music. Though her siblings' musical preference differed from her own, her first influences were from bands such as Genesis, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and traditional Italian music. As a child, Scabbia had no interest in becoming a singer, and claims that as she became an adult it "just kind of happened". She also notes that she's never taken vocal lessons to better her singing. In her twenties, she began to take interest in metal, '80s, and dance music. Scabbia feels that many types of music have had an influence on her, although she feels they are difficult to categorize.

Scabbia was dating fellow Lacuna Coil bandmate, bassist Marco Coti Zelati. Coti Zalati and Scabbia's relationship had lasted for ten years, ending in early 2004. She is currently dating James Root from American based groups Slipknot and Stone Sour, who she began dating during their Ozzfest stint in 2004. The two claim that work