There is a tendency to bring gifts especialy at this time of the year. Suggest you look at the Customs form (
6059B)on the CBP website and then inform them of their responsibilities especially regarding food items. Could save a lot of time and head aches. The forms they will fill out on the plane will be in Italian.
Close attention to #11,
a $300 minimun for prohibited food items.
CBP and USDA will not accept language problems!!!