New Study Defines Italy's 'Middle Italy' Beyond Metropolises

A research group from Politecnico di Milano's DAStU department has proposed a new territorial classification for Italy, identifying 'Italia di mezzo' (Middle Italy) as the portion of the national territory excluding metropolitan areas and inner areas. This region covers about 60% of Italy and is home to more than half of the Italian population. The classification divides Middle Italy into three subcategories: medium-sized cities or non-metropolitan provincial capitals, fringes around metropolises, and a rural-urban continuum. The research is led by Arturo Lanzani, Antonio Longo, and Cristina Renzoni. A first theoretical book, 'L'Italia di mezzo. Prospettive per la provincia in transizione,' edited by Arturo Lanzani and published by Donzelli in 2025, laid the groundwork. Now, seven 'portraits' have been released nearly simultaneously, including 'La provincia aggiunta. La Ciociaria, il Nord del Sud' by Chiara Nifosi.