This process is applicable only to women.

As a result of marriage with an Italian man celebrated on/or before April 27th, 1983, the foreign woman is a citizen of Italy.
Even if the husband is recognized as an Italian citizen after April 27th, 1983 by blood line (jure sanguinis), the woman acquires the Italian citizenship automatically.

The recognition of Italian citizenship by marriage (celebrated on/or before April 27th, 1983) can be claimed at any time, even after the eventual dissolution of the marriage (by divorce or death of the spouse), provided that the dissolution took place after April, 27th 1983.
If the dissolution of a marriage celebrated on/or before April 27th, 1983 took place before April 27, 1983, the woman lost the Italian citizenship acquired by marriage if she lived abroad and if she has reacquired or retained foreign citizenship of origin.

The foreign woman may request the recognition of her right of Italian citizenship directly to the Consulate or to the Italian City Hall: if the marriage is still valid (not dissolved) the Italian husband must be registered as resident at Italian Consular district (AIRE) or at Italian City Hall if the spouses live in Italy.

Avv. Paola Caputi
ItalianPapers