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PhrasesDealing With ClientsPrima di procedere, voglio assicurarmi che le aspettative siano chiare.
B2formal

Prima di procedere, voglio assicurarmi che le aspettative siano chiare.

Before proceeding, I want to make sure the expectations are clear.

Pronunciation

'Aspettative' = as-pet-ta-TI-ve; stress on the fourth syllable.

When to use it

Use before starting a project or at the beginning of a client engagement to align expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

What it means

Misaligned expectations ('aspettative non allineate') are the leading cause of client dissatisfaction in Italy. Taking time upfront to clarify what will and will not be delivered is a sign of professionalism, not over-caution.

Variations

Voglio essere trasparente su cosa è incluso nel nostro accordo.

I want to be transparent about what is included in our agreement.

Focuses on the contractual scope

Il risultato che possiamo garantire è X — Y è invece fuori scope.

The result we can guarantee is X — Y is outside scope.

Clear scope statement; prevents scope creep

Ha domande su cosa aspettarsi nei prossimi trenta giorni?

Do you have any questions about what to expect in the next thirty days?

Time-bounded; invites early clarification

Mini Dialogue

«Prima di procedere con la firma, voglio assicurarmi che le aspettative siano chiare. Il nostro servizio include A, B e C. Non include D ed E, che sono fuori dal perimetro contrattuale. Ha domande? Vuole che modifichi qualcosa prima di procedere?»

"Before proceeding with the signing, I want to make sure the expectations are clear. Our service includes A, B and C. It does not include D and E, which are outside the contractual perimeter. Do you have questions? Would you like me to change anything before proceeding?"

Cultural Note

Italian contracts ('contratti') are legally binding but disputes are costly and slow in Italian courts. The best protection is a very clear contract that both parties have genuinely read and agreed to. Verbal pre-contract clarification significantly reduces later disputes.