Listen to rkkwan -- he is right. Get in the international line -- that's the only place they will check the luggage straight through. It's this way with American & United in Chicago also.

I agree with Ricky. You will need to go to international. The agent at domestic MIGHT check you luggage to Italy, but depending on their mood (which lately is always bad) MIGHT make you start all over.

Thanks so much! I will definitely follow your advice and go through international check-in. However, as far as the actual flight goes and security for it, the Atlanta to Newark section of the trip isn't any different than any other domestic flight, correct?

In Atlanta they will are suppose to ask you some additional security questions when you check your bags, but that is all (and last time I flew international out of there no one asked me the questions!)