What is the difference between caparra confirmatoria and acompte in Italy?

The caparra confirmatoria serves to guarantee the contract: if you fail to fulfil your commitments, the other party may withdraw and keep the sum; if it is the one failing its obligations, you can withdraw and claim double. This is the mechanism provided for by Article 1385 of the Italian Civil Code. It is not, however, a "price for cancelling" at will: it also depends on the contract and its termination conditions.

A acompte — often called acconto — is simply an advance on the price. It will be deducted from the balance, but it does not automatically give the professional the right to keep it, nor the client the right to demand double if the contract is not performed: the refund then depends on the contract and the applicable rules. For a rental or accommodation in Tuscany, check the word used on the confirmation and the cancellation policy: "non-refundable" may provide for a particular consequence, even if the payment is designated as acompte. Ask for the nature of the sum and the cancellation conditions to be written clearly before paying.