Shy obscure Italian returned (5)
I believe the answer is:
timid
'shy' is the definition.
(I know that shy can be written as timid)
'obscure italian returned' is the wordplay.
'obscure' becomes 'dim' (both can mean dark).
'italian' becomes 'it' (abbreviation for Italian).
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'dim'+'it'='dimit'
'dimit' backwards is 'TIMID'.
(Other definitions for timid that I've seen before include "Not assertive, retiring" , "Inclined to avoid people" , "Not brave" , "Easily alarmed, shy" , "Apprehensive and unassertive" .)