The woman, who has not been named, was found in a pool of blood with a stab wound to the abdomen.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the scene in the town of about five thousand inhabitants in the Abruzzo hinterland.
At the moment, the husband is reportedly untraceable.
The couple had been living in the countryside near the Abruzzo village for about three years.
There is a community of around 100 British expats who have renovated old properties in nearby Palombara, which has a population of around 1000.
A friend of the victim came from Palombara and discovered the body after not hearing from her for at least three days, police said.
The community is said to be from various parts of England.
ANSA
