hello there, i hold a UK passport, my partner Italian.

According to the situation, you can apply for the 72 hours visa free policy if you take the plane for the both way.
Here under are the documents for application. You can see the following in reference:
1. Passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry. Actually there are cases that some passengers are denied at the immigration counter because the remaining validity of their passport is not more than 6 months, so it's better to keep your passport valid for at least 6 months to play safe.
2. Visa for a third country or region (if applicable)
3. 1A full completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)
4. An onward ticket with confirmed seat are needed