These didn't happen in Italy but it pays to always be aware of your surroundings. I had a camera stolen out of a coat pocket as I was entering the hotel I was staying at. I remember someone passing between me and my friends in back of me. That was all it took.

Another time, I think foiled an attempt. The hotel my group was staying at had a rental bike concession at the side of the hotel. I see 2 or 3 young women returning bikes. As I approach my hotel's revolving door, I see the same 3 young people moving suspiciously close behind 3 friends on the group, who're about to enter the revolving door.. I interposed myself between my friends and the 3 women, who moved off.