I can only pass on the instruction from an italian friend when I was visiting Rome a few years ago. She said: DON'T drive in an Italian city - expecially not Rome! Take the train to the airport and then onto the Autostrada."
We were going south from Rome and she said that starting off on the motorway was best as theere was a barrier separating you from the mad Italians coming in the opposite direction. Leaving me with just one lot of mad Italian drivers. She was right.
So, in the abscence of any further advice, I'd be inclined to caution. We were then on country roads and in small towns for the rest of the holiday and Autostrada back, which was fine. Other friends who knew Italy well added Naples to the 'No Drive' category.
if you have not driven in Italy before, be prepared for
anything.
