The purpose of this assessment is to update earlier surveys of Italian sociology, particularly in terms of developments within the past 10 to 15 years--and again, to offer primarily an American perspective on such an overview. The present assessment differs in that many of the data upon which it is based are derived from informal study conducted during a two-year period. This study involved on-the-spot visits to universities, research agencies, publishing houses, library inspections, and a number of personal interviews, throughout Italy, with sociologists, university professors, research people, students, and other personnel associated with Italian sociology. Formal research was also conducted. It was found that Italian sociology during the past 25 years has emerged into one of the strongest positions among the countries of Europe. Further progress, however, depends to a great extent upon reorganization of the Italian university and the creation of employment opportunities for sociologists throughout Italian society. Reportedly only a very small percentage, less than 10%, of graduates from Trento and the post-graduate programs are successful in finding employment commensurate with their professional training and interests. (Author/CK)