If your wife was born after Jan 1, 1948 and at the time of her birth her mother was an Italian citizen, your wife has the right to request recognition of her Italian citizenship. Essentially, she is already a citizen, just needs to prove it and get it recognized. Here is an article I have on how to obtain it [url]http://www.expatsinitaly.com/citizenship/jure.htm[/url]
As for the benefits, it all depends. Since she is already a UK citizen she has to the right to live in work in Italy but she will always have to have a PdiS or Carta di soggiorno. This alone, the problem of dealing with the questura, is a reason to obtain citizenship since dealing with the questura is a pain. Also, with citizenship there is the right to vote.
If your wife was born after Jan 1, 1948 and at the time of her birth her mother was an Italian citizen, your wife has the right to request recognition of her Italian citizenship. Essentially, she is already a citizen, just needs to prove it and get it recognized. Here is an article I have on how to obtain it [url]http://www.expatsinitaly.com/citizenship/jure.htm[/url]
As for the benefits, it all depends. Since she is already a UK citizen she has to the right to live in work in Italy but she will always have to have a PdiS or Carta di soggiorno. This alone, the problem of dealing with the questura, is a reason to obtain citizenship since dealing with the questura is a pain. Also, with citizenship there is the right to vote.