Every June, millions of Italian students experience the same mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, hope and a little fear. It is the season of the Maturità, Italy’s final high school examination.
For generations, one song has captured these feelings better than any other: “Notte prima degli esami” (“The Night Before the Exams”) by Antonello Venditti.
Released in 1984, the song has become part of Italian culture. Every year, as exam season approaches, students listen to it once again, finding comfort in its lyrics and memories. More than forty years later, it remains one of the most beloved songs about youth and school in Italy.
For students learning Italian, this song is also an excellent opportunity to discover Italian culture, learn school-related vocabulary and better understand the Italian education system.
🎵 Listen to the Song
“Notte prima degli esami” is much more than a song. For many Italians, it represents the emotions of youth, friendship, dreams and the uncertainty of facing an important challenge.
Even today, thousands of students listen to it on the eve of the Maturità, making it one of the most enduring traditions of Italian school culture.
🎓 What Is the Maturità?
The Maturità, officially called the Esame di Stato, is the final examination taken by students at the end of secondary school in Italy.
Students generally complete:
- A written Italian language examination.
- A second written examination related to their field of study.
- An oral examination before a commission.
Passing the Maturità allows students to receive their diploma and continue to university or enter the workforce.
For many Italians, this exam marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
🏫 Understanding the Italian School System
The Italian education system is divided into several stages:
- Primary School (Scuola Primaria)
- Middle School (Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado)
- High School (Liceo, Technical Institute or Professional Institute)
- University (Università)
The Maturità is the final step before students move on to higher education or professional life.
📚 Italian School Vocabulary
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Studente | Student |
| Professore | Teacher |
| Esame | Exam |
| Diploma | Diploma |
| Compagno di classe | Classmate |
| Interrogazione | Oral test |
| Voto | Grade |
| Maturità | Final high school examination |
🎬 A Film Inspired by the Song
The popularity of “Notte prima degli esami” inspired a successful Italian film with the same title.
Set in the late 1980s, the movie follows a group of students preparing for their final exams while navigating friendship, first love and the challenges of growing up.
Watching scenes from the film is an excellent way to hear authentic spoken Italian and learn more about everyday life and school culture in Italy.
✍️ Discussion Questions
- What is the Maturità?
- Why is “Notte prima degli esami” so famous in Italy?
- Is there a similar examination in your country?
- How would you feel the night before an important exam?
- Do students in your country have songs associated with graduation or exams?
🎮 Interactive Exercise
Test your Italian with this interactive activity related to school and exams.
🎵 Learn Italian Through Music
Music is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn a language. Songs help learners improve listening skills, expand vocabulary and discover authentic aspects of Italian culture.
Explore more songs, lyrics and listening activities in our dedicated section:
👉 Italian Music for Learners: Songs, Lyrics and Listening Practice
🇮🇹 Study Italian in Italy
Learning Italian through music is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to improve your language skills. However, if you truly want to make rapid progress, nothing compares to the experience of total immersion.
Many students who first discover Italian culture through songs, films and literature eventually decide to study Italian in Italy. Living in Italy allows you to practise the language every day, interact with native speakers and experience the culture firsthand.
If you would like to learn Italian in Milan, you will find one of Italy’s most dynamic and international cities. Milan combines history, art, fashion, business and culture, making it an ideal destination for language learners.
At Il Centro – Italian Language School in Milan, students from all over the world improve their language skills through small-group lessons, experienced teachers and cultural activities designed to help learners communicate confidently in Italian.
Whether you are planning a study abroad experience, preparing for university, applying for a student visa or simply learning for personal interest, our Italian courses in Milan can help you achieve your goals while experiencing authentic Italian life.
Discover our Italian courses in Milan →
🍀 Good Luck to All Students!
Whether you are preparing for the Italian Maturità or another important examination somewhere in the world, remember that feeling nervous is completely normal.
As Antonello Venditti’s famous song reminds us, the night before an exam is filled with dreams, doubts, hopes and possibilities.
And perhaps that is exactly what makes it unforgettable.
In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!)
Image source: Screenshot from Notte prima degli esami – Oggi, available on Italian Wikipedia. Copyright belongs to the respective rights holders.