Programs of X-ray polarimetry in Italy arise from the convergence of a long experience of X-ray astronomy missions with an outstanding tradition in development of radiation detectors. The gas pixel detector in the focus of X-ray optics can perform angular-resolved polarimetry with a breakthrough improvement in sensitivity, even with a moderate collecting surface. POLARIX makes a large use of already existing items and, in particular, of the three telescopes from the JET-X program. It can extend the X-ray polarimetry from one positive detection only, to tens of sources, including a few brighter extragalactics: an ambitious pathfinder on a very limited budget. Phase A study of POLARIX, and of four other missions, was performed in 2008 and ASI should select two missions to fly. Another pathfinder is under study: two short telescopes, designed with modern tight packing techniques, mounted as piggy-back on the Chinese mission HXMT.