Italy Type: Mainly Western toilets. Very occasionally an Asian style system in the south.
Hygiene: Generally clean, sometimes a little smelly Costs: May have to pay UP TO 50 CTS in tourist spots, or leave a voluntary tip.
Things to Watch For: Huge queues in summer, the right change, occasionally the toilets are Asian style (more in the south).
Tricks of the Trade: Go in restaurants like McDonalds where it's free. In Asia and Africa it is always best to carry your own supply.

Your tales
am Italian and I "experienced" a good number of bathrooms in the peninsula. I really rarely found paying toilets (perhaps in the north of Italy - Trentino, Tirolo). Usually, you may find toilets where you are asked to leave a tip - a voluntary tip. Sometimes - in a café, small bathing establishments, etc.- you may have to ask for the key. They won't deny it but just want to keep a control on its use. Anyway, t's important to know that, according to the Italian Law, every shop, in case of emergency, must not deny the use of the bathroom. If it does, you can call the Vigili Urbani or any other public officer to denounce the fact. Usually people don't know that or are too impatient... (Manuela G, Italy)