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Meet Giovanni Pitruzzella, the Judge Who Could Change the Rules of Italian Citizenship in 2026

Written by Sara Aquino
Published on 03/12/2025 at 19:09
Conheça Giovanni Pitruzzella, o juiz que pode mudar as regras da cidadania italiana no julgamento do Decreto Tajani.
Foto: IA
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Meet Giovanni Pitruzzella, The Judge Who Could Change The Rules Of Italian Citizenship In The Tajani Decree Ruling.

Italy is preparing for a historic trial that could redefine access to citizenship by descent, with the name at the center of this decision being jurist Giovanni Pitruzzella.

He will be responsible for reporting, on March 11, 2026, the case questioning the validity of the Tajani Decree, a regulation that profoundly altered the criteria for Italian citizenship iure sanguinis.

Pitruzzella’s selection as the reporter draws significant attention because, as a judge of the Constitutional Court, he plays a direct role in drafting the opinion that could maintain, alter or overturn the new law.

Throughout this article, you will get to know Giovanni Pitruzzella, the judge who could change the rules of Italian citizenship, understand his background, his legal profile, and why his role has become so crucial at this moment.

Who Is Giovanni Pitruzzella And Why Does His Role Matter Now

To understand the weight of the decision, it is essential to know Giovanni Pitruzzella, the judge who could change the rules of Italian citizenship.

Born in Palermo in 1959, he built one of the strongest careers in Constitutional Law and Public Law in Italy.

He graduated from the University of Palermo in 1982 and has since become an academic and institutional reference.

His appointment to the Constitutional Court occurred in November 2023, upon nomination by President Sergio Mattarella, under the so-called presidential quota.

This modality often prioritizes individuals with technical and institutional profiles, reinforcing the idea that Pitruzzella does not operate under political agendas.

He was sworn in as a judge on November 14, 2023, after being reappointed that same year as Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The Trajectory That Shaped The Judge Of The Italian Citizenship Case

Before taking the seat in the Constitutional Court, Pitruzzella accumulated decades of academic and administrative experience.

A professor at the universities of Cagliari, Palermo, and LUISS, he published several books and works that contributed to the study of the State, the Constitution, and public institutions.

Additionally, he held strategic roles in the Italian government, such as legal advisor and president of the Commission for the Implementation of the Special Statute of Sicily.

From 2011 to 2018, he led the Italian Competition and Market Authority, which is responsible for ensuring fair rules in the economic sector.

His international projection gained strength starting in 2018 when he became Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

This position requires technical expertise, balance, and deep legal knowledge, qualities that now directly influence his role as the reporter in the case regarding the Tajani Decree.

The Ruling That Could Redefine Italian Citizenship

The law that Pitruzzella will analyze came into effect on March 28, 2025, and brought significant changes to the rules for recognizing Italian citizenship by descent.

The amendment sparked intense contestation from experts, diaspora associations, and groups of Italian descendants.

The case reached the Constitutional Court after a challenge presented by descendants of Italians from Venezuela in the Turin Court.

They argue that the Tajani Decree violates constitutional principles and unjustly hinders access to citizenship.

As the reporter, Pitruzzella will be responsible for drafting the technical opinion that will serve as the basis for the ruling.

His role is crucial because the reporter usually guides the legal debate and influences the final understanding of the other judges.

For this reason, many consider it essential to know Giovanni Pitruzzella, the judge who could change the rules of Italian citizenship, not only for his curriculum but also for the relevance of this historical moment.

When Will The Ruling Take Place And What To Expect

The hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026, with an expected conclusion by April of the same year. Anticipation is high, as the decision will directly impact:

ongoing processes;

requests not yet initiated;

administrative and judicial recognition;

interpretation of iure sanguinis law in the country.

In the meantime, the race to expedite requests is growing, as interests fear that potential changes may harm future applications.

Why Giovanni Pitruzzella Became A Central Figure In The Debate

Understanding who he is, that is, getting to know Giovanni Pitruzzella, the judge who could change the rules of Italian citizenship, has become a fundamental part of grasping the direction of this issue in the coming months.

Thus, the decision of the Constitutional Court will be a landmark, and the reporter will be a key piece in this story.

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Sara Aquino

Farmacêutica e Redatora. Escrevo sobre Empregos, Geopolítica, Economia, Ciência, Tecnologia e Energia.

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