Who were some people who influenced Giacomo Puccini?

Giacomo Puccini was influenced by several composers, including Giuseppe Verdi, whose dramatic style and orchestration left a lasting impact on Puccini's own operatic compositions. Additionally, Richard Wagner's innovative approach to harmony and leitmotif inspired Puccini to explore deeper emotional expressions in his works. The Italian verismo movement, emphasizing realism in storytelling, also shaped his operatic style, encouraging him to portray authentic human experiences and emotions.