At a time when Italy is undergoing stringent budgetary restrictions, the labour market segmentation resulting from the rise of atypical forms of employment calls for examination of its welfare system. In this article we will focus on the Italian experience using a comparative perspective. This will enable us to identify the particularities of their welfare system. We will then endeavour to draw up a description of the different types of atypical jobs that have developed in Italy over the last 20 years or so, primarily affecting young people and women. We will finish by examining recent legislative amendments. This will enable us to find out what kind of social welfare rights different categories of workers in atypical jobs are entitled to. This study will also highlight the differences and inequalities existing between these atypical workers and so-called “standard” employees.