Italians are very quick at impounding things (aeroplanes in this case) and if in doubt, you will go home by train and come back next year or the year after to collect your aircraft. The French have the highest fines (fly too close to one of their nuclear power plants and you will leave behind 20.000 Euros in beautiful France!) and the most frequent and rigid ramp inspections anywhere in Europe.
I agree with io.
I have flown pretty extensively in europe both g and n reg and to quite a few of the bigger airports. I have never been ramp checked, heard of a very very few that have been and never heard of anyone being impounded. It is just another of those myths loved on these forum.
Yes, if you have it in writing on faa letterhead i would totally rely on the letter (if you needed to). It is good law here and there.