There are no legal restrictions in Germany. However, a probationary period longer than 6 months does not make sense, as the employee then already enjoys legal protection against dismissal, i.e. he/she can defend him/herself against a dismissal that is not sufficiently justified. In Italy it depends on the collective agreements, the probationary period can be 3-6 months. Unlike in Germany, the employee must actually be tried out; dismissal before starting work is not permitted in Italy.