Song Spotlight: "L'italiano" - Toto Cutugno

A write-up about one of Italy's most iconic songs.

“L’italiano” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem of Italian pride and identity. It was the opening song in Toto Cutugno’s 1983 album of the same name and is his biggest track internationally.

Following one of his concerts in Toronto, Canada, Cutugno felt inspired to compose a song dedicated to Italian emigrants.

Cristiano Minellono wrote the song’s lyrics and cites his initial inspiration from the name of a program on the Italian TV channel Canale 5 called Buongiorno Italia.

Cutugno initially intended the song for Adriano Celentano, who turned it down the offer. He then wanted popular impersonator Gigi Sabani to sing “L’italiano” in a Celentano impersonation.

However, when Sanremo Music Festival organizer Gianni Ravera heard “L’italiano,” he convinced Cutugno to perform it.

“L’italiano” entered the 1983 edition of Sanremo and finished in fifth place, as well as coming in second place in the critics' prize ranking.

The song topped the charts in France, Portugal, and Switzerland as well as placing in Italy, Belgium, and West Germany.

Although it declined in popularity in the 90s, it became even more popular after Cutugno performed it live at a charity concert to celebrate Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory.

“L’italiano” has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, many of whom have made versions that celebrate their own country’s pride, such as Finnish singer Kari Tapio’s cover “Olen suomalainen.”