Prugnat lugset, Gargatte shell and Nervor steerer would tend to suggest/support idea of a French origin.

Looks as though a bottom bracket cable guide may have been removed. We need to be careful here not to place too much weight on current presence/absence of braze-ons since machine displays clear signs of having been "worked on."

Seat stay treatment may provide important clue to the right reader. This is of a type not oft seen on French cycles.

wrt the suggestion of Italianess - The combination of this Prugnat lug pattern with this seat stay treatment could suggest a Rizzato product. The serial number format and placement are consistent with a frame from this manufacturer. The first three characters being "74A___" would suggest an Atala machine of 1974.