For most young Italians, there is no romanticising the “slow life” — they’re just trying to make it work.

An exodus of brain and talent has been plaguing Italy for decades, so what’s left for those who stay?

Leonardo, 26, has been looking for a stable job since graduating in 2022. He’s one of the 1.5 million Italians under 30 years of age that statistics call NEET.

Behind the name NEET — youngsters neither in education, employment or training — are people disenfranchised by Italy’s inaccessible job market.

Some are trying to forge their own path.

Alberto, 31, is the founder of a Start-Up called Trainect, joining a rank of young entrepreneurs that is becoming smaller every year.