REQUEST FOR ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP

I have made application for Italian Citizenship more than 5 years ago. At the time we handed in all the relevant documents as requested. My husband is Gesuino Casti and I am Johanna Gebhardt Casti. We have been told that it will take a period of 5 years but 5 years has been exceeded and we still heard nothing about our application. We have been married for 11 years. Is it neccessary for us to come there. Please advise me what should we do since my Schengen Visa expires 22/11/2010.