It's important to note that "italiano" can be used as both an adjective and a noun.
* As an adjective: It means "Italian" and modifies a noun. For example: "la lingua italiana" (the Italian language).
* As a noun: It means "Italian person" or "Italian man". For example: "un italiano" (an Italian man).
While "italiano" is masculine, the word "italiana" is feminine. It is used to refer to an "Italian woman" or "Italian thing". For example: "una italiana" (an Italian woman) or "la cucina italiana" (Italian cuisine).