This is the 210th most frequent Italian word.
li
The Italian word "li" means "there" or "them," depending on context.
Here, 'li' serves as a direct object pronoun, standing for 'items' that are to be placed on the table.
Li metti sul tavolo, per favore.
Place them on the table, please.
In this usage, 'li' functions as a direct object pronoun referring to the people or things not seen for an extended period.
Non li vedo da molto tempo.
I haven't seen them for a long time.
In this sentence, 'li' is a pronoun replacing 'the boys', indicating that they are the ones being greeted.