Nearly one in four Italians (23.1%) is now at risk of poverty and social exclusion—one of the highest rates in Europe. Alarmingly, 1.3 million children already live in absolute poverty, a 47% increase over the past decade. These figures emerge in the preview of the Study on Combating Educational Poverty published by the Ambrosetti Group (Thea Group) together with the CRT Foundation.

Italy ranks near the bottom in the EU both in terms of the share of university graduates and in having one of the highest rates of NEETs (15–24 years not in education, employment, or training) at 15.2%. Economic hardship is closely tied to educational deprivation: half of those at risk of social exclusion have no more than a middle school diploma. Among Italians aged 25–64, one in three has not progressed beyond lower secondary education. For the 25–34 age group, only 31.6% hold a university degree, compared to the EU average of 44.5%.

The study also highlights a pronounced North–South divide, with four regions in Southern Italy among the five worst in the EU for risk of social exclusion—reflecting a deeply entrenched "blocked social elevator," where socio-economic background heavily influences educational and career outcomes.

This educational deficit translates into missed economic opportunities. Italy is lacking around 2.2 million workers with upper-secondary or tertiary qualifications, and educational poverty is estimated to prevent the creation of 3.2 million jobs. However, bridging this gap could be relatively straightforward—upskilling just 20% of the least educated workers could close the shortfall.

Digital skills remain critically weak: only 56% of Italians under 19 possess basic digital competencies, well below the EU average of 73%, yet 41.5% of current job openings require advanced digital skills.

The report concludes with a powerful message: aligning with best European educational inclusion practices could unlock up to €48 billion in additional GDP, while potentially lifting two million people out of poverty and social isolation.