An anti-vaxxer tried to use a fake arm to get his Covid jab so that he could use a vaccine passport as restrictions tighten.
The unidentified man, 50, wore a silicone arm to his vaccine appointment in Bielle, in northern Italy.
The health worker immediately became suspicious after touching the silicone and asked him to take off his shirt.
When it became clear the arm was fake, the man begged the worker to turn a blind eye, local media reports.
He was reported to the healthcare authorities, where he could possibly face charges.
Before unveiling his fake arm, he had been interviewed about his health and signed a consent form in front of the doctor.
The man had been trying to obtain a 'Vaccine Passport' as Italy is tightening restrictions for the unvaccinated as cases continue to rise in Europe.
Piedmont president Alberto Cirio said: "This case borders on the ridiculous, except we are talking about an act of enormous gravity, unacceptable in the face of the sacrifice this pandemic is making the whole community pay."
He added that the man will "now have to answer to justice" for not wanting to take the jab, and thanked healthcare workers who have been involved in the country's vaccine rollout and who had spotted the scam.
From December 6, the Italian Green Pass will come into force - which can only be obtained by those who are vaccinated or have recently had the virus.
Those who are unvaccinated will no longer be allowed in several public spaces such as bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, clubs, sporting events, and gyms, among others.
The new rules will require everyone to present proof of vaccination or recovery.
Previously, unvaccinated people could enter these spaces by providing a negative Covid-19 test taken within the past 48 hours, but that will be phased out.
Furthermore, a negative Covid test will not be enough to use public transport from December 6.
Italy recorded more than 16,810 Covid-19 cases yesterday and 72 deaths, according to data from John Hopkins.
