Markit/ADACI's services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Italy climbed to 52.1 in April from 51.2 in March.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

The index was mainly driven by rises in new business and job creation.

"All indices from the services PMI survey nudged higher in April, pointing to slightly faster rates of growth in business activity, new work and employment, as well as a strengthening of business confidence towards the outlook," an economist at Markit Phil Smith said.