The shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, NBA player for Minnesota Timberwolves[Name], officially received Italian citizenship for special merit. The decision, confirmed by President Sergio Mattarella this week, was based on Article 9, paragraph 2 of the law of February 5, 1992, which allows the granting of Italian nationality to foreigners who have rendered "relevant services" to the country.
Approved by the Council of Ministers on 14 JulyThe measure is now awaiting only formalization by the Court of Auditors for the passport to be issued. With the document in hand, DiVincenzo will be able to reinforce the Italian national team in the European Championship, which begins on August 28th. debut against Greece.
The action is not unprecedented. In February, Argentine President Javier Milei, also obtained Italian citizenship, in this case by ius sanguinis (by descent), with unusual speed, driven by the direct support of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Sports strategy and legality
Donte DiVincenzo, born in Delaware (USA) in 1997, is the grandson of Italian immigrants from the region of Abruzzo. 2021 NBA Champion and nicknamed “Big Ragù” Due to his Italian roots and red hair, he is a well-established name in North American basketball. His technical value justifies the Italian Federation's interest in integrating him into the Azzurra, even without having lived in Italy.
The case, although it causes discomfort to those who have been waiting for years for recognition of their citizenship, like thousands of Italian-Brazilians, is supported by legislation, says sociologist and Councilor at the CGIE (Consiglio Generale degli Italiani all'Estero), Daniel Taddone.
According to him, this is a prerogative of the Italian State, which can, at its own discretion, accelerate processes to benefit its diplomatic, cultural or sporting interests.
"Although rare, this type of granting of nationality based on special merit is something that is provided for in several countries. Obviously, the timing of the DiVincenzo case is particularly delicate. By all indications, he could even have his citizenship recognized by jus sanguinis, but the 'extraordinary merits' seem to be linked solely to a convenience of Italian sport.
For Taddone, there is no record of services provided by DiVincenzo to Italy that would justify this concession. "It seems clear to me that the provision was not used with due seriousness. Paraphrasing our Minister Antonio Tajani, 'citizenship is a serious matter,'" he says.
The agility of the process surprised even John Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP). In a recent interview, he acknowledged that the process exceeded expectations. "It was a very quick process; I confess I wasn't expecting it," he declared.
