REPUBLIC OF ITALY
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY OF THE
MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE
May 2, 2013
VIA EDGAR
International Corporate Finance
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
100 F. Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: The Republic of Italy
Registration Statement on Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form Schedule B
File No. 333-152589
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Department of Treasury of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Italy, I respectfully request that the effective date for the Registration Statement referred to above be accelerated so that it will be declared effective at 12:01 AM EST on May 6, 2013, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.
Very truly yours,
The Republic of Italy
| By: | /s/ Dottoressa Maria Cannata | |
| Name: | Dottoressa Maria Cannata | |
| Title: | Directorate II Department of Treasury Ministry of Economy and Finance |
