Of all the industrialized countries in Europe, Italy is by most accounts the least prepared to confront the risks brought on by the Year 2000 computer glitch. The prospect of scattered electrical outages, telephone problems and other disruptions has even normally complacent Italian officials concerned. Outside experts worry that even small, intermittent problems with electricity and other services could snowball, and that millennial celebrants here may suddenly find themselves in an environment where Rome's splendid architecture seems its most modern feature. A recent survey by technology consultants in Britain ranked Italy's preparedness on a par with Honduras and Peru, and warned that technical maladies brought on by the computer bug will stretch well beyond Jan. 1. On that day alone, the city will be under enormous stress from huge crowds at the pope's blessing in St. Peter's Square, and along the streets where 60,000 people are slated to run in a marathon.
Italian officials insist the prospect of a catastrophic loss of essential services is low.
They note that millions of dollars have been spent to reduce the risks, albeit mostly in the past few months, well behind the schedule of other large, industrial nations. It's been said that Rome will get through to the new millennium only with divine assistance. Mariella Gramaglia, the vice director general of Rome, said confidently at a recent news conference. For many Italians, an interruption in some key services will not seem extraordinary. But the Italians' legendary ingenuity and experience in circumventing the obstacles created by government bureaucracy or error will doubtless give them an advantage over others in Europe.