On 18 December UNICEF presented its report “Così lontani, così vicini” (So Far, So Close): an in-depth exploration of the attitudes of adolescents and young adults in Italy toward their peers with migrant backgrounds. Conducted by the IPSOS-Lattanzio-KIBS consortium, the study surveyed 1 000 individuals aged 15 to 24 across the country, focusing on perceptions of migration, discrimination, and racism, with particular attention to interactions with peers of diverse origins.

The findings paint a nuanced picture of Generation Z in Italy, revealing both a pronounced openness to diversity and significant feelings of alienation among some respondents. This duality is reflected in the report's title, emphasising the simultaneous closeness and distance felt by young people toward those with migrant backgrounds.

The majority of respondents, approximately 7 in 10, know someone from another European country, and 6 in 10 said they have met afro-descendents. Over half reported forming friendships with peers from these backgrounds. While 85% of respondents expressed a desire to contribute positively to the world, only 19% are actively engaged in such efforts, and 29% reported feeling excluded or disconnected from their communities.

Discrimination remains a pervasive issue, according to the report, with 93% of respondents either witnessing or experiencing acts of discrimination. Among participants with migrant backgrounds, discrimination was most frequently linked to religion (36%), skin color or ethnicity (17%), and migrant status (31%). Misperceptions about migration are found to be widespread, with 87% of respondents overestimating the proportion of migrants in Italy’s population. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 believe migrants make up more than 50% of Italy's population, while the actual figure is 8.7%. Additionally, 60% expressed distrust in the media and social networks when it comes to the provision of accurate information on migration.

Despite these challenges, the report finds that an overwhelming 85% of young people see intercultural exchanges as enriching experiences that foster closer connections between diverse groups.