Interesting - I thought Italians used the spoons, too (maybe it’s just the ones in America). Many Italian restaurants I’ve been to always give a large spoon - - plus, I’ve seen them do it on TV, so it must be correct - right? ;-)
I am Italian I have NEVER used a spoon, grandma would have just been horrified !!!! There was ALWAYS a ton of food on her table throughout the day people ALWAYS just dropping by and instructed to sit down and eata!!! Cloth napkin always stuffed in top of shirt!!!