They do, but depending on context, Italian is the answer they really being asked. If an American asks another American about their background and they get an answer like Italian-American or American of Italian decent, they’ll get a funny look because the American part is implied.
Why don’t they call themselves American? Are they stupid?
Because America is incredibly diverse, so saying your American is virtually meaningless in terms of your culture and values.
They do, but depending on context, Italian is the answer they really being asked. If an American asks another American about their background and they get an answer like Italian-American or American of Italian decent, they’ll get a funny look because the American part is implied.