Special provisions and limitations apply to holders of a Canada-issued Refugee Travel Document (blue cover), also known as a 1951 Convention Travel Document or Geneva Passport (sample here).

Holders of this document do not require a visa for short stays in Italy (for example, tourism, business, or certain other purposes) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, if your travel plans include other Schengen Area countries in addition to Italy, including airport transit, you must carefully verify the visa requirements for each country. Visa-free travel for holders of a Canadian Refugee Travel Document applies to Italy and only a limited number of other countries. If Italy is your only destination, you should book a direct, non-stop flight between Canada and Italy. Avoid international transit connections through other countries, as additional visa requirements may apply.

The Consulate specifically states that Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders do not require a visa for short stays in Italy of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and advises travellers with itineraries involving other Schengen countries to verify those countries' requirements separately.

Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver