Ex Civil or Public Servants

Before I start to trawl through past info, are there any former Civil or Public servants who may have moved to Italy with reserved pensions.  I'm trying to establish what taxation regime the Italian state would enforce on the traditional tax free lump sum (UK rules) when a pension is finally taken.  If I was an Italian resident at the time would the tax free rule be honoured or would they tax the said lump sum.  This will help me decide whether to become a resident next year or to remain in the UK for at least four more years.

Anyone who has been in such a situation and can share their experience with me will be a great help.

Thanks in advance.  M