Few people understand the future of Italian citizenship by descent better than the attorney arguing it in Italy's highest courts. In this episode of Your Italian Podcast, host Lauren Hopkins sits down with Marco Mellone, founding attorney of Mellone Law Firm and a leading voice in the jure sanguinis litigation now before the Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation.

Marco represents the families at the center of the constitutional challenges to Italy's 2025 citizenship reform, including the pivotal question of whether the new law can be applied retroactively to claims filed before it took effect. In a clear, measured conversation, he explains what the recent decisions actually mean for descendants, particularly those tracing their line through a great-grandparent (bisnonno) or further back, and why he maintains that citizenship by blood has always been consistent with the Italian Constitution.

If you have been following the headlines with growing uncertainty, this is the episode that cuts through the noise. You will hear directly from the person helping shape how these cases are decided.

Listen to the full conversation. And if you have questions about your own eligibility under the current law, you can book a consultation with Your Italian Passport.

ABOUT YOUR ITALIAN PODCAST

Your Italian Podcast is the show for anyone drawn to their Italian roots. Hosted by attorney Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, each episode explores Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), heritage, culture, food, and life in Italy, with the stories and practical guidance the worldwide Italian diaspora is looking for. From tracing your family tree through an Italian comune to understanding Law 74/2025 and what it means for your eligibility, we help you reconnect with the country your family came from.

CONNECT WITH US

Website: https://youritalianpassport.com/
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d037bc1fbc98/yip-newsletter-sign-up
Instagram: @youritalianpassport
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourITPassport/

Explore your eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent: https://calendly.com/youritpassport/italian-citizenship-consultation?back=1&month=2026-04

If this episode resonated with you, follow Your Italian Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a rating and review. It helps other members of the jure sanguinis community find the show.

DISCLAIMER

Your Italian Podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. Italian citizenship law changes frequently, and how it applies depends on the specific facts of your family line. For guid...