Anything work related is difficult for a non-EU citizen living in the EU. In Italy, Italians get first opportunity, followed by EU citizens and then non-EU citizens. In order to get a job in an EU country, you have to go through procedures similar to our H1B visa process.
You may be able to run an internet business from there since it doesn't compete with Italians. The problem will be getting a .com address rather than a .com.it address.
You also have the issue of getting a work visa rather than a tourist visa. On a tourist visa, you will be severely limited in the amount of time that you can be in the country. There is also the issue of no access to facilities on base. You have a tough road ahead of you.
