Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is exceptionally rare. You are statistically more likely to be injured by a motorino on a sidewalk in Naples than by any criminal anywhere in Italy. That said: petty crime exists (pickpockets in Rome, Florence, Milan metro, Naples train station), tourist scams exist (friendship bracelet, fake petition, restaurant bill padding), and driving has its own category of danger (Italian drivers are skilled but aggressive, and scooters ignore every law of physics and governance). This guide covers what to actually worry about and what to ignore.
Plan my safe trip →Rome: Metro Line A (Termini to Spagna), the 64 bus (Termini to Vatican), Colosseum queues, Piazza Navona restaurant terraces. Florence: around the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio crowds. Milan: Metro at rush hour, Stazione Centrale. Naples: Garibaldi station area, motorino phone-snatching (hold your phone on the building side of the sidewalk, not the road side).
Prevention: Front pocket for wallet. Crossbody bag (not backpack in crowds). Phone in hand = phone at risk in Naples. Don't put anything on restaurant tables you aren't touching. These are the same precautions you'd take in Barcelona, Paris, or London.
Friendship bracelet (Rome, Florence): someone ties a bracelet on your wrist, demands €5-20. Solution: don't extend your hand. Say "no" and walk. Fake petition (tourist areas everywhere): clipboard, asks for signature, then demands donation. Ignore. Restaurant bill padding: check the bill for coperto (cover charge, €1.50-3, legal) vs mysterious extra charges. Taxi meter off: insist on meter or agree on price before departure. Rome fixed airport fare = €50 to/from Fiumicino (legal, posted in taxi).
112 — all emergencies (works everywhere in EU, English-speaking operators). 118 — ambulance. 113 — police. 115 — fire. EHIC card (EU citizens) or travel insurance (non-EU) — SafetyWing from €42/month covers medical + theft.