List of Presidents of Italy: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Italy from 1946 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Italy, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Italy: Sergio Mattarella (in office since 2015).

Presidents of Italy in order, with years in office

Enrico De Nicola

Served: 1946–1948

Provisional head of state from 1946 and the first president of the Italian Republic when the constitution took effect on 1 January 1948; served until May 1948.

Luigi Einaudi

Served: 1948–1955

Economist who served the first full term.

Giovanni Gronchi

Served: 1955–1962

Christian Democrat who served one seven-year term.

Antonio Segni

Served: 1962–1964

Resigned in December 1964 because of illness.

Giuseppe Saragat

Served: 1964–1971

Democratic Socialist who served from December 1964.

Giovanni Leone

Served: 1971–1978

Resigned in June 1978.

Sandro Pertini

Served: 1978–1985

Former member of the anti-fascist Resistance, remembered as a beloved president.

Francesco Cossiga

Served: 1985–1992

Resigned in April 1992, shortly before the end of his term.

Oscar Luigi Scalfaro

Served: 1992–1999

Christian Democrat who served one term.

Nicola Mancino

Served: 1999 (acting)

Senate president who acted as president for three days in May 1999.

Carlo Azeglio Ciampi

Served: 1999–2006

Independent who served one seven-year term.

Giorgio Napolitano

Served: 2006–2015

The first president to be re-elected (2013); resigned in January 2015.

Pietro Grasso

Served: 2015 (acting)

Senate president who acted as president from 14 January to 3 February 2015.

Sergio Mattarella

Served: 2015–present

Took office on 3 February 2015 and was re-elected in 2022.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Italy

Who is the current president of Italy?

The current president of Italy is Sergio Mattarella, in office since 2015.

Who were the previous presidents of Italy?

The presidents and heads of state of Italy listed on this page, in order, are: Enrico De Nicola, Luigi Einaudi, Giovanni Gronchi, Antonio Segni, Giuseppe Saragat, Giovanni Leone, Sandro Pertini, Francesco Cossiga, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Nicola Mancino, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Giorgio Napolitano, Pietro Grasso, Sergio Mattarella.

Who was the first president of Italy?

Enrico De Nicola was the first president of Italy, in office 1946–1948.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Italy; Quirinale (Presidency of the Italian Republic) list; Archontology.org (checked Nov 2026). Acting presidents before 1999 are not listed.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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