Italy is currently the cinema market struggling the most to recover from the pandemic; not only compared to other countries in Europe but also outside. The box office decrease fluctuates between -55% and -65% with lows of -80% compared to 2019. Unfortunately, summertime in Italy is traditionally a slow box office season and Italy will need more than just blockbusters to reverse the trend.

The absence of older audiences, and the disparity of changing health restrictions in general, and mandatory use of masks specifically, are only two of the causes for depressed theatrical attendance in Italy. A lack of local productions and a steady flow of high profile releases have also been obstacles. Meanwhile, Italian exhibitors are also demanding that the exclusive theatrical release window be longer than 90 days.