As summer’s end approaches, some of our favorite Italians are celebrating birthdays. Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian American chef, writer, TV personality, and host of her own Food Network program (“Giada at Home”), was born on Aug. 22. On Aug. 31, we celebrate Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, physician, noted humanitarian, and devout Catholic best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name. She was born in Chiaravalle, Marche, Italy in 1870. Mario Barwuah Balotelli, an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for French club Marseille and the Italy national team, celebrates his birthday on Aug. 12. He was born in Palermo. Antonio Salieri, born Aug. 18, 1750, was a pivotal figure in the development of late 18th-century opera. He was born in Legnago, Veneto, Italy. Buon compleanno to all who celebrate this month.

• Giada De Laurentiis Giada De Laurentiis
• Maria Montessori Maria Montessori
• Mario Barwuah Balotelli Mario Barwuah Balotelli
• Antonio Salieri Antonio Salieri
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