National Anthem of Italy Adopted

Date: December 4, 2012 • Location: Rome, Italy

"Il Canto degli Italiani" officially became the national anthem of Italy, 66 years after it was provisionally chosen following the birth of the Italian Republic.

"Il Canto degli italiani" is a patriotic song written by Goffredo Mameli and set to music by Michele Novaro in 1847, currently used as the national anthem of Italy. It is known among Italians as the "Inno di Mameli"—after the author of the lyrics—or as "Fratelli d'Italia"—from the song's opening line. The piece, in 44 time signature and B-flat major key, has six strophes, and a refrain sung after each. The sixth group of verses, almost never performed, recalls the text of the first strophe.