I find the idea attractive, because it's an antidote to the ruling classes regarding us as mere pawns (though it also has its dangers). But obviously, Bavaria has a very different history from Italy. And same for parts within Italy. People can be genetically close to identical, or very close, and have very similar culture. And the other way around.

I agree that a people have a 'spirit', but I don't think it's genetic. Maybe <1%.