Italians are native to Italy.
Italians ( italiani [ itaˈljaːni ] ) are a nation and ethnic group native to Italy who share a common culture , ancestry and speak the Italian language as a native tongue . The majority of Italian nationals are native speakers of Standard Italian , though many Italians speak other languages native to Italy ( often colloquially referred to as `` Italian dialects '' ) . Italy . Since classical times , ancient Phoenicians , Carthaginians and Greeks established settlements in the south of Italy , with Etruscans and Celts inhabiting the centre and north of Italy respectively and various different ancient Italian tribes and Italic peoples dispersed throughout the Italian Peninsula and insular Italy .