Molecular phylogenetic studies show Omphalina giovanellae represents a new section of Clitopilus (Agaricomycetes).

After reconsidering the specific characters of Omphalia giovanellae and applying data from the sequences of the D1-D2 domain of the 28S rRNA gene and the ITS region of material collected in Italy and Spain, the species is ascribed to the genus Clitopilus. Considering the rather peculiar characters, especially the smooth spores, C. giovanellae is ascribed to the new section Omphaloidei sect. nov. The species is illustrated with drawings of fresh basidiomata observed in situ, as well as with SEM micrographs of the spores. Also based on DNA sequence data, O. farinolens, recently described from Spain, is shown to be a synonym of C. giovanellae.