Is it true what they say about driving in Italy?

Highway driving is a pleasure. The slow lane is meant for driving and the passing lane (fast lane) is meant for just that. Passing. It seems to work very well. Italian drivers will come up right behind you; maybe they'll even flash their high beams, but you are expected to move to the right lane asap.
No horns. No grumbling. No hand gestures. The highway system in Italy seems to work. ^

City driving is fine until you get to a traffic circle. It's all for one and one for all. As a New Yorker, you would have expected me to have a chance here. Doesn't matter if you're already in the circle, or trying to enter it. This is the wild west. What an experience.

Avoid a fine by paying close attention to your guide book. Most small walled cities forbid you to enter. If you do, you'll be surprised when your car rental company sends you the fine to be paid. They snap your license plate (tag) for a 100 euro fine (US$128.) We were in two cars when my friend entered into Lucca. He was aware of this, but wasn't paying attention. I stopped just before I reached the cameras. ^

There are signs on the highways advising you that if you go over the speed limit, the cameras will 'get you'. I didn't see any cameras, so YMMV.

If you're using diesel for your car, remember to use the black hose.