In this article, we will discuss the 11 Best Italian Stocks to Buy in 2026.
Growing concerns that artificial intelligence cannot live up to the hype are fueling a rotation away from large-cap US stocks. As the ‘AI fear trade’ puts the prospects of a range of industries and markets under scrutiny, investors are looking elsewhere for highly discounted opportunities.
While the focus remains on emerging markets that have lagged US markets in recent years, Italy is becoming another battleground for attractive investment opportunities. FTSE MIB, the primary benchmark for Italian equities, is already up by about 5%, dwarfing the 1% gain for the S&P 500.
Italian equities have outperformed their European peers, driven by positive corporate developments and the resilience of the heavyweight financial sector.
The impressive rally that began last year comes on the easing of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on European countries.
Michael Reynolds, vice president of investment strategy at Glenmede, told CNN: “A lot of things went right for international stocks in 2025. After a couple years of lackluster fundamentals, foreign equities put together a strong year of earnings growth,” Reynolds said. “This was highlighted by fiscal stimulus in Europe and AI-related growth in Asia.”
According to Reynolds, the weakening of the US dollar is likely to benefit international stocks by providing a tailwind.
Bank of America Global Research has already touted opportunities in Italy, citing the country’s steadier political and fiscal backdrop. According to the research firm, there are no significant risks in Italy as the stability of the current government remains intact heading into the next general election in the second quarter of 2027.
According to Bloomberg, Italian stocks are in favor as investors flock to sectors exposed to the European nation to escape harsh US tariffs. That was evident as the FTSE MIB rallied 30% in 2025 compared to a 14% advance of the Stoxx Europe 600 Index.
With this in mind, let’s now take a look at the 11 Best Italian Stocks to Buy in 2026.
Our Methodology
To list the 11 Best Italian Stocks to Buy in 2026, we used a screener and sifted through several online rankings. Next, we chose the companies having headquarters in Italy and in which analysts saw upside potential. These stocks were also widely held by leading hedge funds during the fourth quarter of 2025.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Italian Stocks to Buy in 2026
11. Assicurazioni Generali SpA – ADR (OTCMKTS:ARZGY)
Assicurazioni Generali SpA – ADR (OTCMKTS:ARZGY) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. On February 23, Assicurazioni Generali SpA – ADR (OTCMKTS:ARZGY) recently purchased 740,000 shares of its own stock. It made the purchases between February 16 and 20.
Assicurazioni Generali spent a total of €26 million on the share purchases, paying an average of €35.58 per unit. It added these shares to its treasury. The company now has a total of 51.3 million shares in its, and this hold represents 3.3% of Assicurazioni Generali’s treasury shares.
Notably, this treasury purchase follows Assicurazioni Generali’s issuance of €650 million in subordinated notes between January 7 and February 13. These notes mature in 2036, according to the issuance notice.
In other news, Deutsche Bank named Assicurazioni Generali among its top insurance stock picks on January 7. The bank has a Hold rating on Assicurazioni Generali stock with a price target of €37.50. According to Deutsche Bank, European issuers like Assicurazioni Generali are poised for about 9% earnings growth, 8% book value growth, and a 4.5% dividend yield.
Assicurazioni Generali SpA – ADR (OTCMKTS:ARZGY) is the largest insurance company in Italy and one of the world’s largest. It offers a diverse range of insurance and financial products. It serves individuals, families, and businesses. The company is based in Trieste, Italy.
10. Ermenegildo Zegna NV (NYSE:ZGN)
Ermenegildo Zegna Group (NYSE:ZGN) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. On February 12, Morgan Stanley upgraded Ermenegildo Zegna Group (NYSE:ZGN) stock rating to Equalweight from Underweight and assigned it a price target of $11. For this action, Morgan Stanley analysts pointed to Zegna’s better-than-expected Q4 2025 sales results.
Morgan Stanley analyst Natasha Bonnet is cautiously optimistic regarding Zegna’s store portfolio optimization. However, the analyst remains concerned about the company’s wholesale rationalization, particularly for the Tom Ford and Thom Browne brands.
Previously on February 5, UBS analysts upgraded Ermenegildo Zegna to a Buy from a Neutral and boosted the price target to $11.50 from $11. In taking this action, the analysts pointed to strong momentum in the company’s core Zegna brand, noting that Western consumers were driving this momentum.
The Zegna brand contributes about 60% of the company’s total sales. According to the analysts, the company’s strategies are resonating with affluent consumers across generations. They note that this is contributing to growth prospects and solid profitability.
In Q4, Ermenegildo Zegna’s revenue rose 4.6% to €591 million. Full-year revenue climbed 1% to €1.917 billion.
Headquartered in Trivero, Italy, Ermenegildo Zegna NV (NYSE:ZGN) makes and sells luxury clothing, footwear, and accessories. It also sells jewelry, fragrances, and eyewear. It sells its products through brands such as Zegna, Tom Ford fashion, and Thom Browne.
9. Buzzi SpA (OTCMKTS:BZZUY)
Buzzi SpA (OTCMKTS:BZZUY) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. Buzzi SpA (OTCMKTS:BZZUY) released its preliminary results for full-year 2025 on February 6. The report showed total revenue increased 4.8% to €4.52 billion. Recurring EBITDA was estimated at about €1.23 billion. The revenue growth in 2025 was supported by strong cement and ready-mix concrete sales. Cement sales jumped 21.2% to 31.9 million tons, while ready-mix concrete sales rose 1.8% to 9.9 million cubic meters.
According to BofA Global Research, Buzzi is one of the best European building sector stocks to buy in 2026. Buzzi is a building materials company that manufactures cement and provides ready-mix concrete as well as aggregates. In its January 23 report, BofA pointed out that Buzzi stands to benefit from pricing momentum and volume recovery in the European building materials market. Additionally, the firm noted that Buzzi’s strong cash position accords its capital allocation flexibility.
Headquartered in Casale Monferrato, Italy, Buzzi SpA (OTCMKTS:BZZUY) is a multinational building materials manufacturer. It manufactures, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, and natural aggregates. In addition to Italy, it has footprints in countries like the US, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico.
8. Enel S.p.A. ADS (OTCMKTS:ENLAY)
Enel S.p.A. ADS (OTCMKTS:ENLAY) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. On February 23, Italian utility Enel S.p.A. ADS (OTCMKTS:ENLAY) outlined its investment plan for the next three years. The company says it plans to allocate €53 billion to capital expenditures for the 2026-2028 period. Around 38% of this allocation will go to renewable power projects.
“The group foresees a sharp acceleration of investments in renewables, reaching around 20 billion euros, with a focus in the geographies characterised by significant growth in electricity demand,” Enel said in the statement announcing the investment plan.
Notably, Enel plans a larger capex outlay for the next three years than for the prior three years. In the previous investment plan, it allocated €43 billion to capex, with 60% going to regular power grid projects and 28% to renewable projects.
In other news, Enel announced on February 22 a €1 billion share repurchase plan, which it said will run from February 23 until July 31.
Enel S.p.A. ADS (OTCMKTS:ENLAY) is an Italian power company. It operates geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, and renewable power plants among others. Founded in 1962, the state-controlled Enel is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
7. Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE)
Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. The luxury automaker Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) released its Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 10. The company reported Q4 earnings and revenue numbers that both fell short of analysts’ expectations. However, full-year results were strong, with revenue growing 7% to €7.1 billion and EBITDA rising 38.8% to €2.8 billion. The company’s industrial free cash flow generation surpassed €1.5 billion, representing more than 55% cash conversion.
The full-year results were bolstered by a richer product mix, price improvements, and new model launches. Ferrari launched six models in 2025, including Ferrari Luce, its first electric vehicle.
The company revealed a strong order book extending toward the end of 2027. It’s particularly seeing strong demand for its Amalfi and 849 Testarossa models. For 2026, Ferrari projects revenue of about €7.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €2.93 billion. The company also expects to maintain strong industrial free cash flow generation, forecasting at least €1.5 billion.
On February 11, Deutsche Bank analysts raised their price target on Ferrari to €460 from €450 while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. For this action, the analysts pointed to Ferrari’s strong results, and they expect the company to maintain the positive performance trend throughout 2026. Moreover, the analysts see Ferrari going back to its historic pattern of exceeding expectations and raising guidance.
Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Maranello, Italy, Ferrari NV (NYSE:RACE) manufactures and sells luxury vehicles. The company portfolio features a large range of models, including electric vehicle options.
6. Amplifon SpA (BIT:AMP)
Amplifon SpA (BIT:AMP) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. Amplifon SpA (BIT:AMP) announced on February 17 that it had renewed its partnership with alla Scala Theater for the third consecutive year. This means Amplifon will continue to “Invito alla Scala” project’s midweek concert and ballet program.
Amplifon said this project offers students and seniors favorable access to the theater. Since the partnership launched in 2024, it has reached around 50,000 people, Amplifon said in a press release.
“We are delighted that our support for the Invito alla Scala project will make the theater’s performances increasingly accessible to many young people and seniors,” said Susan Carol Holland, Amplifon’s chairperson.
In other news, Amplifon announced on January 19 the launch of a commercial dubbed the “The Special Test Rooms.” The company said this campaign captures the extraordinary feeling “people experience when they hear well again.” Amplifon said the campaign would run globally, airing on television, digital, and social media.
Based in Milan, Italy, Amplifon SpA (BIT:AMP) sells, fits, and maintains hearing aids. The company offers its products through a global network of thousands of clinics.
5. Bper Banca SpA (OTCMKTS:BPERF)
Bper Banca SpA (OTCMKTS:BPERF) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. Bper Banca SpA (OTCMKTS:BPERF) reported its Q4 results on February 5. It posted a net profit of €340 million, which surpassed consensus forecast by 32%. The quarter was buoyed by strong growth in core revenue and lower costs.
Net interest income of €1.11 billion rose 3% from the prior quarter and beat the consensus estimate by 2.7%. Net fee income of €696 million was up 7.7% over the prior quarter and surpassed the consensus estimate by 2.7%.
Meanwhile, operating costs of €878 million were 13.7% below consensus forecast. The lower costs were due to lower staff-related costs.
In other news, Bper Banca SpA (OTCMKTS:BPERF) declared a dividend of €0.65 per share with a payout ratio of 75%.
Bper Banca SpA (OTCMKTS:BPERF) is an Italian banking group founded in 1867 and based in Modena, Italy. Its range of financial products and services include current and savings accounts, mortgages, and insurance. It also offers financing, wealth management, and consultancy. Bper Banca serves individuals, businesses, and professional clients both in Italy and internationally.
4. UniCredit SpA (OTCMKTS:UNCFF)
UniCredit SpA (OTCMKTS:UNCFF) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. On February 10, Morgan Stanley analysts upgraded UniCredit SpA (OTCMKTS:UNCFF) stock to Overweight rating. For this action, the analysts cited the Italian bank’s 2026-28 business plan, which they noted shows a transformational strategy shift. In this plan, UniCredit targets 5% compound annual growth rate in its loans. The company also aims for cost reductions.
According to the Morgan Stanley analysts, the shift in strategy that UniCredit has outlined will enable it to deliver 15% growth in dividend per share between 2025 and 2028, 10% growth in tangible book value per share over the same period. Moreover, the analysts see UniCredit achieving €7.5 billion in excess capital by 2028. They say this would provide the bank with greater flexibility in M&A and capital returns.
UniCredit reported its 2025 results on February 9. It posted a record net profit of €10.6 billion for the year, 14% versus last year. Total revenue of €24.54 billion was largely flat from the previous year. The company’s operating costs were largely flat from the previous year even after the business expansions it carried out.
UniCredit SpA (OTCMKTS:UNCFF) is Italy’s second-largest bank. It’s headquartered in Milan and provides a broad array of financial services, including retail and corporate banking. It also offers investment banking, wealth management, and insurance.
3. Brunello Cucinelli S P A (OTCMKTS:BCUCY)
Brunello Cucinelli S P A (OTCMKTS:BCUCY) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. Italian luxury fashion company Brunello Cucinelli S P A (OTCMKTS:BCUCY) resumed shipments to the US luxury retailer Saks Global at the end of January, according to a Reuters report on February 18. Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in mid-January, seeking creditor protection in a Chapter 11 filing.
However, Brunello Cucinelli says it hasn’t seen any financial hit from Saks Global’s bankruptcy filing, according to the report.
Brunello Cucinelli has supplied Saks Global for over 30 years. The US retailer’s three chains have accounted for at least 7% of sales at Brunello Cucinelli in recent years. Although Saks Global has shut some stores in recent times, Brunello Cucinelli says this hasn’t had a big impact on its distribution because its business is concentrated at the most important stores.
In its 2025 report, Brunello Cucinelli said revenue rose 11.5% to €1,4 billion. Net profit jumped 10.5% to €142 million. The company wrapped the year with €202.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Solomeo, Italy, Brunello Cucinelli S P A (OTCMKTS:BCUCY) is a global luxury fashion company. It sells clothing, accessories, and an assortment of lifestyle products across Europe, Americas, and East Asia.
2. Terra Innovatum Global NV (NASDAQ:NKLR)
Terra Innovatum Global NV (NASDAQ:NKLR) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. On February 20, Canaccord Genuity initiated coverage of Terra Innovatum Global (NASDAQ:NKLR) stock with a Buy rating and a price target of $10.
According to the firm, Terra stands to benefit from strong long-term demand for nuclear energy thanks to the growing need for clean power. Furthermore, Canaccord Genuity highlighted the advantages of Terra’s SOLO micro-modular reactors, noting their distinguished safety protocols, fuel flexibility, and models that reduce construction costs.
While broadly optimistic about Terra’s potential, Canaccord Genuity is keeping an eye on risks around first-of-a-kind deployments and regulatory approvals.
In other news, Terra Innovatum Global NV announced on February 9 that it had secured all critical components for its SOLO nuclear reactor. The management highlighted this as a significant milestone, and that it will reduce construction risks. Terra expects its SOLO reactors to be available globally by 2028.
Italy-based Terra Innovatum Global NV (NASDAQ:NKLR) seeks to make nuclear power accessible. Through its micro-modular reactor called SOLO, the company delivers a simple and safe reactor solution that can be deployed anywhere. Terra says its micro-reactor solution is scalable and affordable, and that it can be deployed at 1 MWe at a time.
1. Genenta Science SPA (NASDAQ:GNTA)
Genenta Science S.p.A. (NASDAQ:GNTA)
Genenta Science SPA (NASDAQ:GNTA) is among the best Italian stocks to buy in 2026. Genenta Science SPA (NASDAQ:GNTA) will hold an extraordinary shareholders meeting on March 26. This comes on the back of the company announcing a major shift in its business strategy.
Genenta Science, which has all along been concentrating on biotech programs with a focus on cancer treatments, said on January 27 that it was shifting to defense and national security business. As part of this strategy pivot, the company will change its name to Saentra Forge.
In its new business strategy, Genenta says it will focus on acquiring private Italian businesses in the national security sector. Its targets are profitable businesses that generate about €5 million in annual EBITDA. Genenta has begun scouting for these targets. It has struck a deal that would see it acquire tactical rifles and special-forces weapon systems maker ATC, if certain performance milestones are met.
ATC holds NATO qualifications as well as authorization from Italy’s defense ministry. In 2026, ATC projects €2.0 million in EBITDA, and it expects to double this amount in 2027.
Even as Genenta pivots to defense business, it’s not abandoning its biotech programs. It plans to continue its biotech programs through partnerships.
Genenta Science SPA (NASDAQ:GNTA) was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Milan, Italy. In the biotech space, the company’s lead drug candidate is Temferon, which is being developed as treatment for solid tumor indications. For its decision to shift to defense and national security business, Genenta said it was a response to changing market market dynamics.
While we acknowledge the potential of Genenta Science SPA (NASDAQ:GNTA) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GNTA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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