Romano, also known as Italy Romano or Lovino Vargas, embodies Southern Italy (Mezzogiorno). He serves as the older brother to Italy Veneziano, representing Northern Italy, with his human name Lovino Vargas established in 2007.

He possesses dark brown hair and an olive complexion, contrasting his brother's paler skin, though the anime depicts him lighter. Official artwork shows his eyes varying between light green, hazel, or light brown, with creator Hidekaz Himaruya noting fans may choose any eye color. A distinctive hair curl, serving as an erogenous zone, appears on his right temple. Childhood attire featured an apron or occasionally a maid dress, differing from his brother's consistent wardrobe. His adult form typically wears a khaki military uniform with three-quarter sleeves, resembling Spain's style, though manga and anime sometimes show an identical uniform to his brother's with alternate colors. A casual sailor outfit displays green accents instead of blue.

Romano projects overt friendliness toward women but exhibits stern, unsocial behavior toward men, frequently using profanity like "bastard" or ending sentences with "damn it." Despite this tough facade, he is equally or more cowardly and ineffectual than his brother, described as stubborn yet timid. Agitation or hair-pulling triggers the verbal tic "Chigi!" or "Chigigi!" Childhood clumsiness stemmed from chorea, a disease Spain attempted to cure through Tarantella dancing. He also experienced bed-wetting due to Spain's oversized mansion. As an adult, he reveals surprising diligence, with Germany noting he "can do what he puts his mind into" when motivated. His ineptitude extends to weaponry, such as throwing grenade pins instead of the explosives. The mafia heavily influences his worldview, often controlling him and fostering cynicism, though he resents them yet rarely resists due to timidity. He rejects foreign foods, especially cheese or potatoes, but shares his brother's love for pasta, tomatoes, farming, cooking, and siestas.

His relationships are complex. Jealousy toward Italy Veneziano arose from perceived favoritism: their grandfather, Ancient Rome, took only Italy to live with him, leaving Romano behind. Romano envied Italy's artistic talent and resemblance to Rome, bullying him upon reunion yet subconsciously caring—sharing a bed or feeling hurt when unadmired. Modern interactions remain strained, with Romano often ignoring Italy despite living together post-unification. He despises Germany ("potato bastard"), attempting futile revenges like charging him (slipping on a banana peel) or mishandling grenades. Spain, his childhood guardian, instilled cultural traits like tomato cultivation and Catholicism. Romano acts coldly, believing Spain covets Rome's inheritance, but secretly cares: he protected Spain from German troops as a child, increased imports during Spain's illness despite his own sickness, and overcame mafia intimidation to aid him. He harbored a childhood crush on Belgium, becoming flustered by her praise. Japan would likely address him as "Romano-kun," per Himaruya, suggesting camaraderie. He distrusts Prussia but tolerates him marginally more than Germany.

Early insecurities shape his background. Left with Spain after the Battle of Garigliano, he felt overshadowed by Italy, raised by Rome. This inferiority complex fueled lifelong resentment, though modern strips show gradual, reluctant reliance on his brother. Historical events like the Italian War separated them, with Austria claiming Italy and Spain conquering Romano. Childhood experiences under Spain—bed-wetting and clumsiness—softened into mutual, unspoken loyalty, though Romano masks this with aggression (e.g., head-butting Spain awake). In adulthood, overt violence diminishes, replaced by verbal hostility, yet deep-seated protectiveness emerges, as when he attacked his mafia for obstructing aid to Spain. His work ethic evolves from childhood laziness to adult competence, though he remains selectively motivated.