Scala was born as Odette Bedogni in Bracciano, Lazio, Italy. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Milan where she studied ballet at "La Scala" Ballet School for seven years. She performed in numerous ballets until World War II, after which she began appearing in motion pictures using the stage name, Delia Scala. These include "Difficult Years" ("Anni difficili," 1948)", Side Street Story" ("Napoli milionaria," 1950)", " ("Roma ore 11", 1952), "Touchez pas au grisbi" (1954)", Gentlemen Are Born" ("Signori si nasce," 1960).