MasterCard will launch its Masterpass payments platform in Italy before the end of Q1 2014 through partnerships with a number of local companies, including Vodafone.

In addition, other launch partners already on board are Mediaworld, a leading consumer electronics retailer, and Trenitalia, the country’s largest train operator.

In addition, 3,500 retailers are signed up to Masterpass through Banca Sella, the first acquirer bank to offer the platform to all its online clients.

And local retailer Esselunga will sign up with the platform “shortly”, said the credit card giant.

Vodafone is the country’s second largest mobile operator.

With MasterPass, shoppers do not have to enter card and shipping details for each mobile and online transaction. Instead they simply click on the “Pay with MasterPass” button and enter their user name and password to complete their transaction. It was launched earlier in 2013. Initial markets include the UK, US, Australia and Canada.