Large Italian male, supple (5)

I believe the answer is:

lithe

'supple' is the definition.
('lithe' can be a synonym of 'supple')

'large italian male' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'italian' becomes 'it'.
'male' becomes 'he'.
'l'+'it'+'he'='LITHE'

(Other definitions for lithe that I've seen before include "Physically supple, agile" , "Elastic" , "Loose-limbed" , "Able to move and bend gracefully" , "Slim, graceful" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Guardian.

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