Direct translations:
* Dono del cielo: This literally means "gift from heaven" and captures the divine aspect of a godsend. It's a bit formal and poetic.
* Manna dal cielo: This translates to "manna from heaven", referring to the biblical story of the Israelites being miraculously fed in the desert. It implies a sudden and unexpected solution to a problem.
Other expressions:
* Grazia ricevuta: This means "received grace" and implies a fortunate occurrence that you are grateful for.
* Fortuna inaspettata: This translates to "unexpected luck" and emphasizes the element of surprise.
* Provvidenza: This is a more abstract word meaning "providence" and refers to a divine intervention that brings good fortune.
Examples:
* "His help was a godsend."
* Il suo aiuto è stato una grazia ricevuta.**
* La sua assistenza è stata una fortuna inaspettata.**
* "That unexpected promotion was a godsend."
* Quella promozione inaspettata è stata una manna dal cielo.**
* Quella promozione inaspettata è stata una provvidenza.**
The best option will depend on the specific situation.
Note: Remember that while "godsend" implies a divine intervention, using religious references in Italian can be delicate, especially if you are not sure about the person's religious beliefs.