Abstract
The essays studies which role is played by domestic courts in the field of international commercial arbitration, traditionally covered and ruled by the will of the parties. Three aspects are especially considered. i) the various cases of judicial assistance and support; ii) the assessment of the validity of the arbitration agreement and the possible conflicts between arbitral tribunals and national judges; iii) the control of the award in the annullment procedure and in the recognition and enforcement stage, with particular reference to the public policy defence.