Starbucks Just Made an Announcement That's Probably Going to Make Italy Incredibly Mad

It's the battle of the coffee connoisseurs.

Some things are sacred. Tacos. Beer. Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar win.

In Italy, coffee is one of those things. It's perhaps the most sacred thing, because it could be argued that without a constant supply of espresso, they'd never be able to eat all that pasta. There is no National Coffee Day in Italy because every day is National Coffee Day. But maybe somebody should tell that to Starbucks. 

The company just made a big announcement, and we're guessing it could be seen as, well, a sign of war to more than a few Italians. That's because Starbucks is officially opening in Italy.

It could come as a shock to some that there weren't Starbucks locations in the country already, because of just how prolific the company is. Are you climbing the final summit of Machu Picchu? There's a Frappuccino waiting for you. Halfway through the Great Wall of China? Keep an eye out for the Starbucks kiosk at marker 12. 

But until now, there has been no coffee giant in Italy, presumably because the Italians are so particular about their espresso and also averse to giant corporations coming in and taking over. Cut to 2017, which is when the inaugural location will open its doors in Milan. The company is, of course, treading lightly and with the utmost respect (as they should).

"We're going to try, with great humility and respect, to share what we've been doing and what we've learned through our first retail presence in Italy," Starbucks wrote in a press release. "Our first store will be designed with painstaking detail and great respect for the Italian people and coffee culture."

The release also made sure to mention that Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz is a huge fan of the country, having taken many a source of inspiration that changed his life. "Inspired by the craftsmanship of the Milanese barista, the spirit of the Italian people, their passion for community, their friendliness and taste for quality, Schultz's vision for Starbucks began to take root," they wrote.

Here's hoping that the Italian people agree.