Business meeting etiquette
Punctuality is not a priority for Italians. Be patient and be prepared for some delay when you start working with a new Italian partner. In particular, do not take a small delay as a sign of lack of respect.
As a general guideline, work plans are often not taken too strictly, so that some flexibility can be built into a deadline. Where a deadline must be firmly met, be sure to make it very clear to your Italian partner.
Italians tend to ”multitask”, since they like to do many things at once, shifting their priorities as new demands arise but being unruffled by interruptions. As a consequence, you might experience differing reaction times from your Italian contact as he/she is probably following several other projects at once.
Gift giving
In Italy a gift is not expected, or gifts are less frequent exchanged
Cultures without strong gift giving traditions, European cultures and countries influenced by these cultures, don’t use gifts as an integral component of a business relationship. This doesn’t mean an occasional and appropriate gift is not appreciated. It means, a person is not expected to present a gift on the first meeting, or on a routine basis.
No matter which culture you may be doing business with, it’s always professional to be attuned to opportunities for developing a more comfortable business relationship by hosting a meal, an evening at the theater or a sporting event. These opportunities may present themselves when you travel to the other person’s home country, when the other person comes to your country, or when the two of you are attending a meeting or an international conference in a third locale.
(italy, 1998)
Moreover In Italian business culture, gift giving is not particularly common; only after a tried and trusted familiar relationship has been established, might it appear natural to give a small and not obviously expensive gift as a sign of friendship.
A small gift may also be appropriate as a token of appreciation for Italian hospitality. In such a case, the choice of gift may include liquors, delicacies or crafts from the visitors’ country.
When invited for a family lunch or dinner (see Entertaining), small presents can be given in an informal way as typically such an invitation would indicate a high level of familiarity. Pastries, chocolates or flowers are appropriate on such occasions. Never give an even number of flowers (especially roses) and avoid chrysanthemums as they are used for funerals.
(trade, 2014)