We have a house in Puglia that we are

Yes there are, but obviously you cant do this yourself and it should be done by a certfified electrician who will then certify your system - otherwise you will be in difficult should you decide to sell. http://www.sati.it/prodotti/messa-a-terra-e-parafulmini/normative-messa-a-terra/http://www.ing.unibs.it/~claudio.uberti/ITG/IMPIANTI%20ELETTRICI/IMPIANTO%20DI%20TERRA.pdf  

As far as I can see the earth is not 'tied down', in Italy unlike the UK. They rely on the circuit breaker to limit electrocution. We have a house in Puglia too, recently rewired  by professionals.

The earth should be  tied down, usually to a metre long metal stake that must be put into the ground.  

I meant in the sense that neutral and earth are usually at the same potential, ie connected,  not a 'floating' earth.

now you're getting technical!!