Terminal transfer and check in after Int'l arrival

am I right that these two flights are not connected - they are two unique tickets, not one through ticket with a connection?

I recently had the same question. My single ticket purchased via United Airlines web site for 2 flights connecting in Rome-FCO, United then ITA to Bari, Italy. Calls to both United and ITA customer service agents provided the same response… because my ticket was purchased through United as a single ticket, I will not have to retrieve my checked luggage in Rome/FCO. It will be tagged through to Bari. I was cautioned to be diligent about verifying the Bari/BRI tag being placed on my checked bag at the United counter in the US prior to departure.
I was also told that United would not offer that connection if they did not believe the time was adequate to make it through Rome/FCO immigration as my point of entry to Italy. If my United flight to Rome is delayed, such that I miss the connection to my ITA flight, United would put me on a later ITA flight to Bari.
United and ITA are not code share partners. ITA is not a member of Star Alliance.

Assuming you're on two separate tickets, then you are correct, you must clear immigration, collect your bags and then check in at the ITA desk in terminal 1.

Note that the terminal designations are somewhat arbitrary - it's now really just one big terminal - and the two areas are connected, so you can walk from terminal 3 to 1 without going outside - just keep to your left after collecting your bags.

Here is a link to the airport's website with various maps: https://adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/pax-fco-airport-map

You will arrive at one of the international E gates and will depart for Florence from one of the A gates.

FCO is very efficient and hi-tech. Assuming your flight from Toronto is on time, you should be able to make the Florence flight. Just keep in mind that the E gate area is quite large - it can be a long walk to immigration and baggage claim.

Thanks very much for this detailed reply. And yes the two flights are on two separate tickets.

I did purchase an economy flexible ticket with ITA so I am guessing I could catch the next flight out to Florence if we are late getting in from Toronto. I can't seem to get anyone at ITA to reply to me though to confirm this.

The 'econ flex' shows it allows changes and refunds.

Their website is sparse with info about the process. From what I see it looks like you could get a refund and then buy a new ticket at the then current price. Not sure you just get "put on the next flight"

Hopefully you get a response from ITA with clear info.

If you miss the check in window for your ITA flight you could always try to catch the one direct train from FCO to Florence at 1:53pm

We took a few flights last year on ITA and they were on smaller jets (think 737 size). In Rome the flights were not parked at the gate, they were out on the tarmac and they had a shuttle bus from the terminal stairs to the plane. So figure you need to be at the gate 30 minutes or more before the flight.

It’s a 5-minute stroll from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1. You can walk inside, or go out to the sidewalk for a breath of fresh air. I usually go outside because it seems less crowded. Either way, if you’re facing the exit inside or actually on the sidewalk outside, just turn left and walk along. You’ll see signs in Italian and English pointing the way.

As far as checking in / checking your bag, you need to check the electronic sign board on departures level to see which checkin desk your specific flight is using. It’s a bit confusing the first time. Look up your flight number and it will have a 3-digit desk number (e.g., 253). Find the desk, line up and check in like you would anywhere. The lines move pretty fast. And security is an absolute breeze. Carry full water bottles through, don’t take off shoes or belt, don’t take out electronics or liquids. Just scan your boarding card, dump your stuff in a bin or two, but stay alert because the line moves crazy fast.