This compares to 35 percent of Italian women, the report found.

Italian men are often stereotyped as 'mammoni' or 'mamma's boys', and statistics released on Wednesday prove they're not showing signs of cutting the apron strings any time soon.

The figures from Istat reveal that in 2012, 52.3 percent of Italian men aged 25-34 were living with their parents – and this number is on the increase.

So what is keeping them at home?

The report points to a number of factors, including longer periods of time spent in education, along with the increasing difficulty of finding a stable job and getting on the property ladder. 

Italy's economic decline over the past five years has also played a role, with the widespread feeling of “precariousness and uncertainty” making young people more fearful about leaving the security of the family home.

Although still high, the number of Italian women in the same age group living with their parents is significantly lower than the number of men.

The report suggests that economic problems are “more associated with men than women”, citing the traditional family living arrangements in Italy as the cause.

Women are more likely to stay at home to raise a family, while men are the main breadwinners, making them more sensitive to economic strife.

According to the report, the tendency to live at home is causing many young couples to postpone marriage and starting a family.

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