I think the Mayor of Rome may possibly have made this decision, because they had huge signs up with the City's crest and the latest mandatory-test countries on it. It didn't suggest that this was a Government directive. I was surprised at the speed at which they'd been able to make the banners, quite honestly. When we checked in at London I asked the BA lady if the testing had started, and she said no, it'll be next week - but Rome had different ideas!Yeah, i know lots of people who have had the swab and it doesn't sound pleasant.
Anyway, good to see the process is so efficient. Not so good to see the UK government website knows more about Italy's procedures than Italy.
The test was free, you have to fill in a few forms, you take a number, see a doctor who prepares the test and walk to the next chair where someone else takes it. You then wait for 30 minutes maximum. There was only one other couple waiting there, it was a very quick service.
They give you a little slip to say you were tested, and the result. Useful for showing my neighbours who are scared of our village being infiltrated!