Training solicitor equivalent (2 years completed) - Praticante Avvocato in Italy.
OK great. You have enough experience to apply directly to training contracts (especially because you have experience in the UK, which you can use to demonstrate your motivation for working here). Just check the firms to make sure they are open to direct training contract applications/whether they recruit mainly from vacation schemes.
In terms of deciding between the two, it's preference really.
If you want to experience a firm first, then go for a vacation scheme. You should also have an easier time securing one (the interview threshold should be lower), although you'll still have to prove yourself on the vacation scheme.
On the other hand, if you just want to get started, I'd focus on direct training contract applications.
I know a lot of people here have gone down different routes so they may be able to comment also.