ciao
@funghet Sorry I was late in the answer but I was on vacation.
I attended the faculty of mechanical engineering in Padua many but many years ago, when the courses were structured very different from today. I held cad courses at the national institute of nuclear physics where I was able to meet new engineers with courses at universities and polytechnics.
While the first originates from the faculties of mathematics and physics, polytechnics originate from industry and have a somewhat more 'practical' cut.
the most 'fresh' experience is that of my son who graduated from polimi (triennial) and then conclude studies at the eth the zurigo polytechnic.
where I work I have colleagues of my son's age and so I could compare the various school routes. I did not find big differences if not in the most international 'respiro' of polimi and in the different composition of the courses. to give you an example analysis 1 and analysis 2 are done at the first year at the same time to physics courses, this to polimi.
I do not think, as you write, that industry prefers one or the other faculty, for what I know.
in good luck, and if you might have some other curiosity or question, ask