HOW TO SEEM ITALIAN EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT. A PRACTICAL GUIDE

While the AC40 one-design boats will compete in the Bay of Angels for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia, for teams, spectators, and fans arriving from all over the world this will be an opportunity to immerse themselves in the true Italian lifestyle and to discover all those habits that make foreigners smile, but which are distinctive elements of la dolce vita.

This is a small guide to feeling Italian—even if only for a weekend.

1. An Italian would never order a cappuccino after midday
Italians drink cappuccino only at breakfast. There’s a margin of tolerance that allows this habit to stretch until noon, but absolutely no later. Ordering a cappuccino at lunch—so, alongside savory dishes—could be considered a real sacrilege! There are plenty of drinks that can accompany lunch; avoid coffee with milk if you don’t want to be immediately labeled as a foreigner.

2. Don’t be afraid to try out your Italian: you’ll win over your conversation partner
We all know Italian is a complicated language. Precisely for this reason, if you make the effort to put together a few phrases, people will immediately warm to you. Even simple expressions like Ciao, Grazie, Arrivederci will always be appreciated. And if you really want to impress, throw in a “mamma mia” to emphasize your amazement.

3. Breakfast is sweet
From north to south, places offering brunch and savory alternatives have become widespread, but for Italians breakfast is sweet. A croissant and cappuccino are a must, though there are some exceptions—like pizzetta sfoglia in Cagliari or the Neapolitan sfogliatella—and every café (coffee shop or pastry shop) has its own specialties. Forget the blood sugar spike—the smell of freshly baked croissants is irresistible!

4. For Italians, clothes make the man
Italians’ love for fashion is no urban legend. Try going grocery shopping in flip-flops and you’ll immediately be labeled a foreigner. In Italy, flip-flops are only worn to go to the beach. In general, people dress with care for every occasion. Even the supermarket can become the perfect place to take inspiration for style.

5. Physical contact is natural
Italians—especially from Rome southward—are very warm. Physical contact is a way of expressing esteem and affection, so don’t hold back on pats on the back, hugs, and above all, when saying goodbye, know that the double kiss is a must. In fact, kissing is commonly used as a greeting; it indicates familiarity and affection and is often a more informal alternative to the classic handshake.