Several thousand people marched this Saturday in the center of Rome to protest against the obligation from October 15 of the health pass in all workplaces.
Introduced in August for museums, sporting events and meals inside restaurants, the health pass includes either a vaccination certificate, proof of recovery after contracting Covid-19, or a negative test.
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More than three weeks ago, the head of government Mario Draghi announced its extension from October 15 to all workplaces, punishable by a salary suspension for employees refusing to submit to it.
It was already compulsory for all medical and teaching staff.
The demonstration, in which members of extreme right-wing groups also took part, was punctuated by some clashes with the police.
The demonstration had been authorized but several hundred people broke away from it, trying to reach the seat of government.
The police had to use water cannons and tear gas to stop the most violent.
According to the AGI agency, several people were arrested.
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Other demonstrations against the health pass also took place this Saturday in Italy: a second in Rome, another in Milan (north) or Cesena (center).
According to figures from the Ministry of Health, almost 80% of the Italian population over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated.
Italy, the first European country to be affected by the epidemic, has paid a heavy price with more than 130,000 dead.