Why may a histirian call Niccolo Machiavelli the first modern Italian?

A historian may refer to Niccolò Machiavelli as the first modern Italian due to his pioneering work in political theory and his focus on realism over idealism in his writings. He challenged traditional views on governance and ethics, advocating for a pragmatic approach to political power. Machiavelli's innovative ideas laid the foundation for modern political science and had a significant impact on the evolution of political thought in Italy and beyond.