An Italian couple have sought legal help to persuade their 41-year-old son to fly the nest, Italian media reported.

The Venetian parents, who have not been named, say their son has a job but refuses to leave home and wants his clothes washed and his meals prepared.

They have sought help from lawyers at the consumer association Adico.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14995588

I know an elderly couple in the UK who sold their house and bought a 1 bedroom bungalow in order to get rid of their 35+ year old sons!
I love mine dearly (aged 36 and 38) and they are welcome here any time for long hols- but no way would I like to live with them (or they with me) - time to cut the apron strings. Problem with 'mamones' (muumy's boys) in Italy, is they their mum is very happy for them to do so - and interfere in son's marriages to the grave.

mmmmm no, not really
There are a few cases like everywhere, but generalizing about Italian mamas is like believing that nobody can play tennis in Switzerland because we all live on the side of a mountain.

The economy in southern Europe is tight, many adult children stay at home until they can afford to live elsewhere.
Also.. the good side of the tight knit families... no creches or old folks homes are necessary as the generations follow and take care of the others.

There is one saying that rings true though

La famiglia è come le scarpe: più è stretta e più fa male

Family ties are like shoes, the tighter they are, the more they hurt

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"Il mondo è fatto a scale, chi le scende e chi le sale"

Exactemente- not all Italian men are 'mamones'

ah yes.. should have read that correctly.. thanks