The President called Italian President Giorgio Napolitano today to thank him for his distinguished leadership and his enduring commitment to the U.S.-Italy relationship during his historic tenure as Italy’s President.  He underscored the major contributions President Napolitano has made to Italy’s political and economic well-being, benefiting not only his nation, but also Europe and the broader transatlantic community.  The President praised Napolitano’s long and steadfast dedication to the European Union and close U.S.-EU cooperation.  The two leaders also discussed economic conditions in Europe and agreed on the need to couple structural reforms with measures to support European growth.