The history of franchising in Italy goes back to the 1970s, and this country plays an important role in the global scale in terms of the number of franchising ties. Assessment of the current state and structure of the franchising systems and entities shows a further development of this form of economic cooperation. In her article, the author presents the structures of franchising systems and entities in Italy. There are presented terms and conditions related to a regional differentiation and described the systems of the inbound and outbound types. There is also undertaken an attempt to determine prospects and barriers for development of franchising ties in Italy.