I'm an Italian native living in Los Angeles. I have over 7 years of teaching experience, and my goal is to help people learn Italian while enjoying the process. I'm here to help :)

Find out more about Leonardo

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Italian is my native language. I grew up in Italy speaking it every day at home and at school. Over time, especially through my 7 years of teaching experience, I’ve also learned how to explain it clearly to people who didn’t grow up with it, which is what really matters when tutoring.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language’s culture?

  I’d probably say Dante Alighieri, simply because modern Italian is built on his work. Even if you’ve never read him, his influence is everywhere in the language we use today.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One tradition I really love is the connection Italians have to food. Food is extremely important in Italy — it carries traditions rooted in family, history, and often geography, and it’s a way of caring for each other. I also genuinely love cooking and eating Italian food.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Italian is a beautiful language, rooted in Latin and rich in history. It’s how I naturally express myself, joke, and connect with people. Even though I speak American English fluently, my Italian side still comes out from time to time. Teaching it feels very natural to me because it’s something I live with every day.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  For many students, the hardest part is breaking the habit of translating word-for-word from English. What really helps is practicing real conversation early on and getting comfortable making small mistakes. Consistency and exposure matter much more than perfection.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I first started helping non-Italian friends with the language, I noticed that grammar explanations alone weren’t enough. They improved much faster once we focused on everyday situations, practical examples, analogies, and natural phrasing. That experience shaped how I teach today.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Growing up in Italy was an invaluable experience, both culturally and personally. Moving to Los Angeles in 2018 made me more aware of how Italian sounds to non-native speakers. Explaining expressions, humor, and cultural habits helped me become clearer and more effective in teaching details and nuances you won’t find in textbooks.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I’m patient, practical, and adaptable. I pay close attention to how each student learns and adjust my approach accordingly. My goal is always to help students feel comfortable speaking Italian in real-life situations, not just understand it on paper.