Elena, I am late to this discussion, but just wanted to encourage you as well. In addition to what the others said, I see where your work fits into the Italian illustration continuum and also know the particular challenges of finding paying work in Italy. But you also have an advantage over a lot of Italian illustrators: Your excellent English is going to be a big help in entering into a much bigger, international market. But you probably already know that, since you are here!
I know that some European illustrators have been told that their work fits into a particular culture, so it at least helps to be aware of the differences. Then you can modify your style, or not, as you wish. At least it would help you decide who to pitch to.
I am not as far along in my journey as some of the others, but along with the others I would like to encourage you to find other illustrator friends in real life. Have you ever attended courses specifically for book illustration here in Italy, for example? I do think it helps! Along those lines, now that the regions are back open, we are not far apart and could meet now and then!