We are flying to Italy in a few weeks with only a short layover between our domestic and int'l flights in Atlanta. I was going to see if we mmight be able to get on the flight that leaves an hour earlier for Atlanta and was curious how likely they might be to allow this. I'm really worried 54 minutes isn't enough time.

You can try the Same Day Confirmed option on an earlier flight for $25, but it may or may not work because your domestic segment is part of a transatlantic itinerary.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...nges/index.jsp

I wouldn't go standby as there is a greater chance that your luggage may not make it with you. But if you can get a Same Day Confirmed flight, then go for it.