I recommend checking out the below links. Hopefully these will tell you what you need to know.
You may need to use the Google Translate tool on link 1, but if you know the name of the service you may be fine.
Link 2: https://www.italiarail.com/strike-information
In short, Itallians plan their strikes in advance. Details of when strikes are scheduled can be found on link 1. If there is a specific service you are wanting to check, please comment it below.
In response to your bonus question,
"If your train is providing local transport during essential services for the peak times (from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 Mon-Sat) these will be are guaranteed. Some long-distance trains are also guaranteed on all days including holidays."
"Essential services mean that you will be transported to your destination somehow asap, just not nessecarily on the same train as originally booked."