Yes, a few people have used an Italian Master universitario di primo livello (60 ECTS) for the Dutch orientation year (zoekjaar), but it is not guaranteed and depends on the IND's final evaluation. The key hurdle is that the IND often requires a full academic degree, and a Level I Professional Master may be seen as a specialized vocational qualification rather than a master's degree, even if Nuffic compares it to an HBO or sometimes WO master. Success usually requires that the qualification is explicitly recognized as equivalent to a Dutch master's by the IND or a positive evaluation from IDW or Nuffic after completion.
Here is the practical reality: The Dutch orientation year visa (zoekjaar) is for graduates of accredited master's or PhD programs from top-200 universities or specific lists, but it also allows applicants with a qualification evaluated by IDW or Nuffic as equivalent to a Dutch master's. An Italian Level I Professional Master is not automatically accepted because it is a non-university qualification in Italy (often issued by private institutions or as a vocational master), even though the University of Bologna is a public university. The IND looks at the level, duration, and research component. A 60 ECTS one-year master may be considered too short or too vocational, especially if it lacks a thesis or research element. IDW will evaluate it case by case, but they have denied some applicants because the qualification does not match the Dutch master's structure (120 ECTS, research-oriented).
To improve your chances, you should: 1) Complete the program and get the diploma and transcript. 2) Request an evaluation from IDW or Nuffic before applying for the zoekjaar. 3) Ensure the master includes a significant research component (thesis or project) and is from a recognized university. 4) Gather documentation showing the program is equivalent to a Dutch master's, such as a letter from the university explaining its level. 5) Consider contacting the IND directly or via a immigration lawyer for a preliminary assessment.
Honest tradeoffs: The process is uncertain and can take months. If denied, you may need to pursue a different visa route, such as a work visa or a second degree. Some people have succeeded with similar qualifications from other EU countries, but Italy's system is specific. There is no guarantee, so have a backup plan.
For more detailed guidance, check the IND website for the orientation year requirements and search for experiences on expat forums like IamExpat or Reddit's r/Netherlands. A resource like Dutch Fluency may have blog posts on this topic, but verify with official sources.