Name on Petition for Naturalization: Marino Anthony Barnovich

On petition it indicates he was born in Chiunchi (sp), Italy and he emigrated from Trieste, Italy.

On Certificate of Naturalization it states his former nationality is Italian.

I am researching a friend's ancestor. On the person's naturalization application from 1939, it indicates he was born in Chiunchi (Chiunski or CHIUNSCHI) Italy in 1879. I believe this is now Cunski, Croatia.

My question is, would this person be considered Italian?

Any help with this matter would ...