You can claim your spouse's country even if your own country is eligible. The same thing for your spouse.
Limitations: If you use your spouse' country, you have to get visas together, and you have to immigrate together. Divorse or unwillingness of your spouse to immigrate with you will disqualify you both
On the other hand, claiming Italy could be advantageous over claiming Russia, because of per country limitation (traditionally the number of winners from Russia was closer to per country limit than for Italy, though still under the limit).
Limitations: If you use your spouse' country, you have to get visas together, and you have to immigrate together. Divorse or unwillingness of your spouse to immigrate with you will disqualify you both
On the other hand, claiming Italy could be advantageous over claiming Russia, because of per country limitation (traditionally the number of winners from Russia was closer to per country limit than for Italy, though still under the limit).
