If you want to apply from Rome, you are required to provide the original and a copy of your permanent residence or work permit which should be valid for at least half a year (unless you enjoy visa or permit exemption for residing or working in Italy).
If you do have one, you can apply there with following documents:
1. Original passport remaining to be valid for at least six months from the date of application and with sufficient blank visa pages.
2. One completed Visa Application Form (Both form V2011A and V2011B) with a recently-taken passport photo stuck on it;
3. A return ticket or hotel order in china.
4. An applicant who intends to visit his or her relatives in china needs to provide return ticket and proof of kinship.
You can write your request for multiple entries visa to the applicaition form. But whether a visa is to be issued or not to be issued, and what type of visa to be issued shall be decided by Consular Officers in the light of China's relevant laws and regulations.