Flying SYD-FCO on CX and then on to CTA on Alitalia. I called CX and asked if I clear customs in FCO or CTA. Was told that one always goes through customs at point of entry (collect bags, clear, then recheck).

Called AA with the same question since Ms SeAAttle is meeting me in FCO (flying ORD-FCO on AA). AA tells me that one always goes through customs at the final destination within a country.

I know that the AA scenario has been the case on a couple of recent trips, including ORD-FCO-VCE. I doubt the procedure is airline specific.

Which is correct?

Thanks.

(Sorry if this is a bit off topic, but the questionable info came from CX agent.)