train reservations

If you buy a new ticket, yes.

Will I get a refund for the unused ticket?

Regional trains: yes, you can freely board any other regionale making the same route and leaving within 4 hours from the departure of the booked train. You can't really reserve a regionale train, there are no reserved seats. You can only purchase in advance either on-line or at the station/tobacconists/travel agencies.

High speed and Intercity trains: full price "BASE" tickets can be changed for free at the counter up to one hour after the departure of the booked train. Discounted tickets come with restrictions, read the T&C, but none can be refunded/changed after the departure time. If you miss a train having a discounted ticket and it isn't trenitalia's fault... you must follow the process described above by Roberto.

Keep in mind the stiff penalties for riding without a valid ticket. Regionale tickets bought from kiosks or at train station counters must be validated at the box near the tracks.

Keep this real simple --- for ALL trains in Italy except Regionale trains you must a reservation for a specific train, at a specific day and time, and a seat in car. Tickets for a Regionale train are non-reserved, good on any Regional trainheaded in the correct direction for four hours that starts when you validate (time stamp) your ticket. It is not a valid ticket until stamped. Forget to that and it is roughly 50 euro payable on the spot. It is not a scam.

Could any of you further clarify something that may be helpful for Mike and others intending on buying regionale tickets?

Regional trains: yes, you can freely board any other regionale making
the same route and leaving within 4 hours from the departure of the
booked train.

Tickets for a Regionale train are non-reserved, good on any Regional
trainheaded in the correct direction for four hours that starts when
you validate (time stamp) your ticket.

There is a difference between a regionale ticket being valid for 4 hours from time of validation, and one that's valid within 4 hours of a "booked" train. It's my understanding that it comes down to the difference between an electronic ticket purchased online and a paper one purchased at the station.

Because they are already validated, electronic regionale tickets are sensitive for both the date and time they were purchased for. If it was for an 8:00 AM train, say, that ticket is only good for same trains leaving before 12:00 that same day.

Paper tickets are only date sensitive. While you must choose a specific day and train you intend to use it for, you do not have to choose a time; the 4-hour clock only starts ticking after it's physically validated for same trains leaving at any hour during that day. The added flexibility is a reason why purchasing paper tickets can be an advantage if your plans are not firm.

Did I explain this right?

Regionale tickets are valid for a destination, too. You can get off the train earlier, but not later than the stop for which your ticket states. You can't buy a €3 regionale ticket for one city and ride to a city further out.

Right, Zoe.