Italy's Health Ministry reported more than 78,300 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, more than double Monday's figure and a new record for the country.
Some 200 people died from the virus in the same period.
The Omicron variant is currently spreading rapidly throughout the country.
Figures also showed a significant increase in testing on the previous weeks, when people were forced to wait in long lines outside pharmacies to get a swab.
Proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test is required for many activities in Italy, such as riding on public transport, or taking ski lifts and staying in hotels.
