I find it odd that in most of the US, when I signal a lane change, the driver in the other lane accomodates.

In California, it is great fun to control the speed of other drivers: signal a lane change, they speed up to prevent it. Passes the time.

As to Italy, I agree: they know how to drive. The style there reminds of people exiting from a theater - very free form but orderly at the same time. I like it. I feel I can trust the other drivers on the road much more there.