This paper reports findings concerning the identification of gifted and talented students from low socioeconomic groups, based on research at a Catholic school for gifted students in Rome, Italy. It reports that social and cultural family disadvantage, lack of education, and poor nutrition decrease IQ scores by 15 to 20 points. The category of "potential gifted" is proposed for children who were considered to be talented in their own environment but did not meet objective criteria. The program at the school is briefly described, and ongoing research with 56 students who attended the school from 1946 through 1968 and 174 college-age students admitted from 1983 to 1989 is noted. Data comparing gifted students and potential gifted students found no significant differences between the two groups on such variables as type of hometown, type of high school, and grades. (Contains 10 references.) (DB)