I'm curious what you found on Google that leads you to conclude Italy is a dangerous place to cycle: Giro crashes in the news? By definition, if it's newsworthy, it's unusual. Why do you suppose Italy is such a popular place for bike tours if it's so dangerous?

Back in the mid-90s I did a Pisa to Venice tour with Experience Plus. The only moderately hairy part was riding in rush-hour traffic in Florence. Even that wasn't so bad.

I don't know what part of the world you're from, but there are lots of roads I rode quite comfortably in Italy that, transplanted to Northern California, with Northern California drivers, I'd consider a death trap.

Disclaimer: I operate bike tours in Piedmont, Italy: Agile Compass Cycling Tours.