Italians communicate in a pragmatic and purposeful manner. However, they can be unwilling at times to address difficult issues. Business hours have changed considerably over the years, especially in services and consulting. When doing business in Italy, you are advised to be punctual, reliable and efficient and to display good organisational skills. You should take pains always to be polite.
Business people speak good English in Milan, Turin and Rome.
This applies especially among the younger generation of executives. However, in other parts of the country and in more traditional business sectors, good English is not widely spoken. It is important in these circumstances to organise interpreters. Your Italian business partner will usually be extremely well dressed. As a rule of thumb, when meeting him or her you should wear stylish, conservative and fashionable suits.