This paper aims to demonstrate that the terms ‘mediation’ and ‘conciliation’ are used to denote a general conciliatory procedure characterized by a ‘nonadversary’ but a ‘co-operative’ approach of the parties to a dispute towards reaching a settlement agreement by the assistance of a third neutral. In this respect, the Italians forms of ‘mandatory’ and ‘optional conciliation’ are considered with reference to some articles of the Italian Civil Procedure Code and to some Italian law provisions in force.