Fini reiterated the European Union's position that dividing Kosovo was out of the question, as was going back to the situation prior to the 1999 war.
He said talks on a final status of the province could begin only when it was assessed that the priority standards had been met and that a multiethnic and democratic society had been established.
President Rugova informed Fini of the progress achieved in security and the economy, saying the integration of ethnic communities had begun and that transitional institutions were ready to assume their commitments in the meeting of international standards.
Rugova said Kosovo's independence should be recognised as soon as possible and asked for Italy's support.
The Italian minister also met Kosovo Serb representatives.