Most of the sidewalks are narrow in Florence. There are many people going in all directions. Walking can be an exercise in dominance, who will give way when coming upon each other. In tourist areas it isn't too difficult, stay on your path and the tourist will move. But when in the local’s area it is different. Although Italy is a somewhat patriarchal society where you “think” men are chivalrous that doesn't mean they will give way to a woman. But I have found the secret watching other women. You look at the ground, not at the person approaching you, not just ahead of you but directly in front of you. You must do this early on, before you make eye contact with the impending encounter, then they will move out of the way for you. If you don’t you will always be moving to and fro dodging everyone else.