The town was founded in 1909 by Italian Dante Cusi [es] to become the leading producer of cotton, rice, melon and maize in all of Mexico.

In addition is the Rio Cupatitzio, through which channels and traps forms one of the largest irrigation complexes in Latin America.

Because of this the population of Nueva Italia increased rapidly, which allowed a subsequent boom in work around Michoacán, mainly in Parácuaro and Apatzingán.

Nueva Italia is located in the center of the state of Michoacán, in the coordinates 19° 01' latitude and 102° 06'W, approximately 420 meters above sea level.

It has several shopping centers, with Elektra Bodega Aurrerá, Bancomer, Banamex, Banco Azteca in terms of known centers are concerned, with service of taxi, bus, cable telephony as with Telmex Telcel and Movistar, 2 municipal markets as well of 2 sports halls and a unit with a small stadium with a capacity for 1,450 people.