Francesco Molinari was pleased with his week's work despite Thorbjorn Olesen denying him a third Italian Open title.
The home favourite carded an excellent 65 at Gardagolf but, despite holing a 30 foot birdie effort at the last, fell one short of Olesen's 22 under par total.
A runner-up finish completes an excellent fortnight's work for Molinari, who won his first Rolex Series title at Wentworth last weekend.
"I'm super happy to be honest," said Molinari. "It's been an amazing week. I think I'll never forget the run of birdies today on the back nine.
"Obviously a shame about 17, but you know, I can't complain. I played well all week. The putt on 18 was just unbelievable.
"Well done to Thorbjorn, he's done great today and yesterday. A great winner for the Italian Open.
"I haven't played my best golf this week tee-to-green. I'm proud of the way I fought today. I was feeling a bit off. I gave it my best, and it's always easier if you have a good short game and you can hole a few putts.
"I gave it my best, and you know, fair play to Thor. He played great yesterday and today to win it. I'm really happy the way I played today. I think that was the point, to try to be up in contention until the end for everybody who showed up today, and the birdie run on the back nine was great."
England's Lee Slattery led overnight but a closing 67 saw him finish third after a thrilling final round in Brescia.
"Delighted to finish 20 under par and finish third in a Rolex Series Event, that's a big stepping stone for me," the 39 year old said.
"It's been a really slow start to the year, so after last week, a really disappointing Wentworth, to come here and play like I did and secure my rights for next year, there's so many things I've done this week in just one week. It happens to everybody, you have one good week and it can change your whole season, so hopefully that can change mine now."
