The problem of Italy is not really a question of age. Japan has an older population, and it is now in full economic recovery. The problem is that Italy is old in the structure of the society.
Foreign policy can mean several things, not only foreign policy in the narrow sense. It can cover foreign policy, relations with the developing world, and enlargement as well.
The Italian economy is certainly the weakest of the big European countries.
He uses statistics like a drunk uses lamp-posts, more for support than illumination.
Moreover, resolving the mother of all problems - the Israeli-Palestinian question - requires cooperation between Europe and the U.S.
I am not overconfident.
I don't want to pass a punitive law, or use politics as a vendetta.
But Italy can only have any real influence on world affairs if it carries weight in Europe.